It is a known, and lamented, fact that the rivalry between the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex has led to a series of incidents of one-up(wo)manship. It is surely no coincidence that in the midst of the Harry and Meghan brouhaha on Netflix, the princess was photographed looking suitably radiant and selfless, helping out with good causes and generally being a credit to the royals, rather than a thorn in their side. And now that she has become the most discussed woman in the world by dint of her disappearance from the spotlight, a certain Montecito resident might be forgiven for feeling that her elegant nose has been put out of joint.

It is, perhaps, to settle an old score that Meghan has announced yesterday that she will be launching yet another lifestyle venture, this time rejoicing in the confused name of ‘American Riviera Orchard’. It gives the impression that the duchess was unable to decide whether to call it American Riviera, American Orchard or Riviera Orchard, and so has plumped for all three, leaving her public to wonder what, exactly, an American riviera orchard even is.

If it meets with success, she will take on the regal likes of Martha Stewart and become a ‘lifestyle queen’ herself

Apparently it is an allusion to Santa Barbara being known as the ‘American riviera’ but this may have passed all but her most devoted fans by. What it will be selling is also currently vague; there is talk of ‘jellies, jams and marmalades’, and perhaps, for the very luckiest, ‘nut butters’. More specific details about the homeware range that Meghan will now be hawking to the paying public are yet to be released.

This has been a long time coming, perhaps ever since the closure of her unlamented lifestyle blog the Tig in 2017.

QOSHE - Can Meghan reinvent herself as a ‘lifestyle queen’? - Alexander Larman
menu_open
Columnists Actual . Favourites . Archive
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close
Aa Aa Aa
- A +

Can Meghan reinvent herself as a ‘lifestyle queen’?

17 0
15.03.2024

It is a known, and lamented, fact that the rivalry between the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex has led to a series of incidents of one-up(wo)manship. It is surely no coincidence that in the midst of the Harry and Meghan brouhaha on Netflix, the princess was photographed looking suitably radiant and selfless, helping out with good causes and generally being a credit to the royals, rather than a thorn in their side. And now that she........

© The Spectator


Get it on Google Play