On March 14, Meghan Markle, wife of Prince Harry, generated significant buzz online with a viral teaser for her new brand. The lifestyle and kitchen brand, American Riviera Orchard, is named after the couple’s seaside California residence. However, according to a report from the New York Post, the Duchess of Sussex is facing difficulties in finding a CEO, and there is no confirmed launch date or information on when the products will be available for sale.
The insider said the delay is because the 43-year-old is having trouble selecting a CEO. “The data speaks for itself, and the fact that over 20 employees left on them speaks for itself. Not even for a startup; it’s unprecedented,” a user commented.
The insider added, “The harsh reality is that Harry and Meghan are extremely demanding and difficult to work for, which causes frustration among employees.
Notably, the recently appointed head of staff for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle resigned after just three months. Just before their three-day trip to Nigeria in May, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex hired seasoned public relations specialist Josh Kettler. But it was revealed a few weeks ago that Mr. Kettler was no longer working for the Sussexes.
Based in Santa Barbara, Kettler was hired to assist Prince Harry during this new phase and joined him on a brief visit to London in May to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. According to a source who spoke with People, Kettler’s role was on a trial basis, and both parties mutually agreed to part ways, concluding that it was not the right fit.
His departure happened just before the Sussexes’ trip to Colombia this week, where they were set to visit Bogota, Cartagena, and Cali. On August 1, Colombia’s Vice President Francia Marquez announced that the couple would engage with youth leaders as part of their anti-online bullying campaign—a trip that Mr. Kettler had been anticipated to join.
Meanwhile, the company’s “strong start” was announced in March when Ms. Markle delivered strawberry jam jars to a small group of celebrities. Since then, the mother of two has sent dog treats to her celebrity acquaintances and made vague references to a possible rose wine line.
The brand’s name was revealed earlier this year in a 16-second vintage-style film that featured the Duchess of Sussex stirring a pot in a kitchen and hands arranging flowers. At the end of the long colonnade was a glimpse of a woman dressed in a ball gown.
Moreover, the official American Riviera Orchard Instagram feed featured nine larger close-up pictures that together make up the logo. Additionally, it was authored “by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex,” according to its bio, constituted in 2024.”
