Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex and wife of Prince Harry, has encountered significant hurdles in launching her new lifestyle and kitchen brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand, named after the couple’s oceanside California home, has generated substantial online buzz since a teaser went viral on March 14. However, Meghan Markle’s efforts to get the brand off the ground have been marred by difficulties in finding a CEO and a series of staff departures.
Reports indicate that Meghan Markle’s struggle to secure a CEO is a key factor delaying the brand’s launch. According to a source cited by the New York Post, the departure of nearly 20 staff members has raised concerns about the brand’s viability. “The numbers don’t lie, and to have almost 20 members of staff quitting on them tells its own story. It’s unprecedented, even for a startup,” the source noted.
The insider further elaborated that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are considered “tough taskmasters,” with demanding expectations that may contribute to the high turnover rate. This challenging work environment has reportedly deterred potential candidates from taking on the CEO role.
In addition to the CEO search woes, the Sussexes recently faced another setback when their newly hired chief of staff, Josh Kettler, resigned after only three months. Kettler, a veteran public relations expert, was brought on board shortly before the couple’s trip to Nigeria in May. His departure was announced a few weeks ago and was described as a mutual decision, with both parties agreeing that the fit was not ideal.
Kettler’s exit came just before the Sussexes’ scheduled trip to Colombia, where they were set to meet with youth leaders as part of their anti-online bullying campaign. The trip was also expected to include Kettler, highlighting the timing of his departure as a potential complication for their plans.
Despite these challenges, Meghan Markle has made efforts to promote her brand. Earlier in the year, she began distributing strawberry jam jars to select celebrities as part of the brand’s initial rollout. Additionally, she has hinted at expanding the product line to include rose wine and dog biscuits for her celebrity friends.
The brand’s official Instagram page features close-up photos that make up its emblem and describes it as “written by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex. Established 2024.” However, with the brand still in its early stages and ongoing issues, the exact timeline for the official launch and product sales remains uncertain.
