Meghan Markle’s pal has revealed the meaning behind the name of the Duchess of Sussex’s new lifestyle brand.
Last week, the “Suits” alum, 42, unveiled her latest business venture to the world — a passion project named American Riviera Orchard.
According to those close to the Duchess, the name is a sweet nod to Santa Barbara, Calif., as it has been nicknamed the “American Riviera” for over a century.
It is also where she and her husband Prince Harry reside with their two children.
“Meghan finds the name American Riviera Orchard perfect. It feels authentic to her. She can’t wait for the website to launch,” a source told People, adding that the name was a “perfect” fit for Markle.
The insider added that the lifestyle brand “will reflect everything that she loves — family, cooking, entertaining and home décor.”
“She is excited about her latest, personal venture,” the source added. “This is something she’s been wanting to do for a while. She is excited to share her style and things that she loves.”
The American Riviera Orchard website is currently blank, only asking visitors to provide their email if they want to be notified about “products, availability, and updates” from the brand.
Additionally, a trademark application reveals the brand plans to sell tableware, drinkware including decanters, kitchen linens and edible treats such as jellies, jams, marmalade and spreads.
The trademark application is awaiting examination and is seeking approval for cookbooks.
The brand’s bio reads, “By Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.”
She also posted a video of her picking flowers and cooking in a kitchen in an Instagram Story.
This isn’t the first lifestyle venture for the estranged royal. In 2014, Markle launched a lifestyle blog called the Tig where she shared “recipes, travel tips and personal photos documenting her adventures.”
The website was shut down in 2017 before she married Prince Harry the following year.
Since unveiling her new brand to the world, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were subtly demoted on Buckingham Palace’s official website.
Harry and Meghan’s profiles now sit at the bottom of the royal webpage that lists all of the members of the royal family.
