The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have recently unveiled two new television projects with Netflix, providing a rare insight into their lives in Montecito. While Prince Harry’s project revolves around professional polo, it is Meghan Markle’s upcoming series that has garnered significant attention. Her show will centre on cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship, solidifying her status as a figure in lifestyle content.
This new direction for Meghan reflects the success of prominent lifestyle figures such as Martha Stewart and Gwyneth Paltrow, who have established lucrative empires by sharing their refined lifestyles with the public through various products and media ventures. The shift towards lifestyle content represents a calculated career move for Meghan, who appears to be more at ease in this realm compared to her previous roles post-royalty.
Meghan’s venture into the realm of lifestyle aligns with her strengths, as evidenced by her past experience with her popular lifestyle blog, The Tig. The couple’s home, as described by writer Allison P. Davis, exudes a luxurious and welcoming ambiance that many would be eager to emulate. It is unsurprising that Meghan would utilize her global fame as a platform to establish herself as a lifestyle icon, especially with access to Netflix’s vast subscriber base of 260 million people worldwide.
In spite of some initial challenges, the launch of American Riviera Orchard has already garnered a significant following on Instagram. Despite the early obstacles, the brand’s trajectory is worth monitoring, particularly in light of the unique niche that Meghan is likely to carve out.
Looking at successful female-led lifestyle brands, each has its own distinctive angle. Martha Stewart embodies the quintessential hostess, while Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop focuses on exclusive wellness products. Similarly, Jessica Alba’s Honest brand prioritizes non-toxic ingredients, and Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James celebrates Southern roots. For American Riviera Orchard, the focus on royalty seems probable, paving the way for a fascinating integration of regal elements into everyday products.
While there may be concerns about the blending of royalty and commerce, Meghan’s pivot presents a mutually beneficial opportunity for her, Harry, and the Royal Family. It enables the Sussexes to find fulfillment and financial success in their independent ventures, without having to delve back into the complexities of royal relationships. Ultimately, Meghan’s entry into the lifestyle realm signals an exciting path forward, one that could benefit all parties involved.