Meghan Markle's Latest Move: Trademarking American Riviera Orchard for Her Lifestyle Brand

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Meghan Markle files for trademarks for American Riviera Orchard ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Meghan Markle has recently applied for new trademarks for her lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has accepted her trademark bid. However, it has not yet been assigned to an examiner, according to an official document.

Markle, 42, is getting ready to sell a variety of household items like cutlery, cookbooks, and jarred foods, as mentioned in the application.

After being away for five years, the former actress, now known as Prince Harry's wife, made a comeback to Instagram on March 14 to announce the official launch of her new business.

The account's Instagram bio simply reads: "By Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex Established 2024." While there isn't much information available, some reports indicate that the account name may be a reference to Meghan and Prince Harry's home in Santa Barbara, California. There is speculation that this project could be a continuation of Meghan's previous blog, The Tig.

Her choices are similar to the ones the former Suits actress highlighted on Tig, which she shut down in 2017 when she was dating Harry.

Prince Harry and Markle, pictured at the Invictus Games One Year To Go Event last month, are supportive of each other's individual ventures

Prince Harry and Markle were seen at an Invictus Games event in February 2024, as captured by Getty.

American Riviera Orchard's initial Instagram Story featured the mom-of-two arranging flowers and cooking in a kitchen.

An Instagram Story video showcases Markle with the song “I Wish You Love” by Nancy Wilson playing in the background. (Markle used to have an Instagram account under the username @meghanmarkle, but it was deactivated in 2018.)

Kensington Palace mentioned to Us that "Ms. Markle appreciates all those who have been following her social media accounts, but since she hasn't been active on them for a while, she has decided to shut them down."

Just days after her sister-in-law, Princess Kate Middleton, was caught up in a controversial photo editing scandal on the same social media platform, Meghan Markle launched her lifestyle brand.

Furthermore, this announcement followed a month after Markle signed a new podcast agreement with Lemonade Media and shortly after her and Prince Harry's visit to Austin, Texas for her participation in a panel at the SXSW Conference.

Prior to her recent return to Instagram, Markle had mentioned in August 2022 that she was excited about coming back to social media.

"I have a little secret to share," she revealed to The Cut. "I'm planning to make a comeback on Instagram."

Editor's P/S:

Meghan Markle's trademark applications for American Riviera Orchard indicate her entrepreneurial ambitions. The venture aligns with her previous lifestyle platform, The Tig, reflecting her interests in home decor, cooking, and wellness. The launch of her Instagram account under the brand name suggests her commitment to connecting with her audience directly.

It is notable that Markle's return to social media coincides with her recent public appearances and business announcements. This coordinated strategy suggests a broader plan to establish herself as an independent force in the lifestyle and media space. The potential success of American Riviera Orchard could further strengthen her brand and provide additional income streams outside of her royal connections.