Meghan Markle was left “in tears” after unwittingly sparking a media storm with the launch of her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

The Duchess of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 revealed the new venture in March with a cryptic teaser video and vague details, shared on a new, official Instagram page. 

Further information about ARO was unveiled afterwards, with the announcement that the brand would focus on kitchen and homeware goods, selling oils, butters, james and preserves, home fragrances and furnishings.

Meghan was reportedly upset by the reaction to her new business venture. Picture: Netflix

She had sent 50 handmade jars of jam out to select friends and influencers. Picture: Instagram

Part of the initial PR push included a lavish package of jams, accessorised with lemons, which were delivered to a carefully-curated list of 50 highly influential and high-net worth friends.

However, the soft launch strategy was mocked by many online, who appeared underwhelmed by the result of her long-awaited new career move.

According to royal journalist and author Tom Quinn, the disappointing reaction has proven to be a “fly in the ointment” for Meghan.

“Meghan was in tears when the brand launched and her new jam was widely mocked for being expensive and nothing special,” he told the UK’s Mirror.

“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.”

Harry and Meghan recently returned from a three-day tour of Nigeria. Picture: Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty Images

“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,” Quinn added.

The publication also claimed that Meghan will undertake a PR blitz in the lead up to the company going live, and is planning chat show and podcast appearances as well as select interviews.

The Duchess of Sussex faced an unexpected backlash earlier this year when she introduced her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Despite her excitement and dedication to the project, Meghan Markle was taken aback by the negative response it received. The media storm that followed left her feeling devastated and disheartened.The criticism centered around the perceived extravagance and unattainability of the products, particularly the artisanal jams that were part of the initial launch. Despite Meghan’s efforts to send out samples to key influencers and friends, the reaction was not what she had hoped for. The public perception of the brand was less than favorable, with many questioning the pricing and necessity of such luxury items.In light of the backlash, Meghan is reevaluating her approach to the brand and how it is being presented to the public. She is considering new strategies to connect with a wider audience and address the concerns that have been raised. The Duchess is determined to turn this setback into an opportunity for growth and learning.As she navigates the challenges of launching a new business in the public eye, Meghan is leaning on the support of her husband and close circle of friends. She remains optimistic about the potential of American Riviera Orchard and is committed to making it a success. Despite the initial hurdles, she is confident in the quality and uniqueness of the products offered by the brand.Moving forward, Meghan is focused on refining her brand messaging and engaging with her audience in a more meaningful way. She understands the importance of transparency and authenticity in today’s market and is dedicated to embodying those values in her business. With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, the Duchess of Sussex is ready to face the challenges ahead and make American Riviera Orchard a household name.