Meghan Markle trying to 'avoid controversies' with lifestyle brand

Meghan Markle quietly launched her new lifestyle business venture which garnered quick attention and it has continued to grow since.

The Duchess of Sussex returned to Instagram with a new page for a brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand is understood to be focussed on lifestyle and cooking.

A key detail in the logo of the brand was how the letters of ‘A’ and ‘R’ were similar to the crest of coats and arms of the Sussex logo. The decision to keep her royal indentity reflected in her new brand has been critcised by a PR expert.

PR expert Renae Smith, told Express.co.uk that the move is “not without its controversies” given the choice Meghan has made with its logo.

“I think this was a silly move from her - and it raises pertinent questions about the balance between leveraging one's unique position and the responsibilities that come with it,” Smith explained.

“If she doesn’t want the work that comes with the title, as her PR manager, I would have advised her to not use it for a personal brand that has nothing to do with public service.”

The launch of Meghan’s brand is said be in line with her upcoming cooking show on Netflix.

The expert noted that the Duchess decision to “rehabilitate” her public image with a lifestyle brand isn’t surprising as it aligns with her “personality and priorities.”

“It could also be seen as an exercise in personal brand control and narrative autonomy,” she surmised.