Meghan Markle was reportedly left feeling emotional and “in tears” amid the “unfair criticism” targeted at her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. After arriving on the scene in March with a sneak peek of her new venture through an enigmatic video elegantly filmed at her and Prince Harry’s Montecito estate, the Duchess intrigued fans without giving away too many details.

The clip showed Meghan whipping up treats in her kitchen, before walking through the grounds of their home. It was soon discovered that Meghan would be selling everything from artisan style products, such as jams, oils, nut butters to household luxury items, including scents and furnishings.

Meghan’s lifestyle brand has been the subject of criticism

Yet, excitement waned and details grew scarce on when American Riviera Orchard would officially debut, pushing Meghan into defence mode where a substantial PR effort became necessary to buff up her brand’s image pre-launch.

Royal commentator and writer Tom Quinn has suggested that the Duchess would have felt crushed by the tepid response to her new brand, particularly stung by critiques lobbed at her artisan jam venture.

“The one fly in the ointment is Meghan’s new internet brand, America Riviera Orchard. Meghan was in tears when the brand launched and her new jam was widely mocked for being expensive and nothing special,” he explained.

Meghan’s lifestyle brand was announced in March

“She has reached the point now where she thinks that anything and everything she does will be unfairly criticised. Like her husband, she feels that people are unfairly picking on her – she cannot understand why people don’t admire her work,” reports the Mirror.

He claimed Meghan wasn’t prepared for any possible criticism she might face once American Riviera Orchard goes live later this year. “She is especially sensitive about any criticism of her luxurious lifestyle in the US from her point of view this is something to be admired not criticised,” Tom added.

The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly gearing up for a major PR push ahead of the launch of her new internet brand, American Riviera Orchard. She’s expected to make waves with appearances on chat shows and podcasts, alongside interviews with carefully chosen journalists, all in an effort to charm potential supporters and boost online sales for the brand’s debut, as per Daily Express sources.

Meghan’s brand will sell artisanal products and home furnishings

Tom’s comments come after a leading royal expert spoke to OK! and pointed out the two reasons why Meghan’s royal life isn’t completely behind her.

Speaking ahead of Prince Harry’s 40th birthday on 15 September, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively said: “I don’t think Harry spends all his time looking back, but the Harry I knew as a young boy was someone who enjoyed fooling around with his family and having fun with them,” Jennie says.

“In his book Spare he writes about his fond memories of some of those family gatherings and it’s only natural that he now misses that connection and perhaps is still considering ways of repairing the damage done in recent years.

“Meghan, however, has I think consigned her brief dalliance at being royal very firmly to the past… except for the title and the kudos it brings.”