Meghan Markle has been compared to a major celebrity (Image: PA)
Meghan Markle might have some famous names in her phone – but there is one major celebrity who’s not a fan of the Duchess.
In March this year, Meghan first introduced the world to American Riviera Orchard, her new lifestyle brand. It led to comparisons being drawn with other celebrity wellness champions, including Gwyneth Paltrow and good icon Martha Stewart. And the latter is said to have found similarities drawn between her and Meghan “irritating and insulting”.
A source previously told In Touch: “Martha has seen hundreds of Meghan types come and go — and says they all come in with the same self-inflated hype, only to find out it’s a whole new ball game when it comes down to brass tacks. She’s tired of being quizzed by people over how she feels about Meghan’s venture because, honestly, it’s irritating and insulting to her that she’s being compared to a rookie!”
An inside source further explained Martha has spent “decades building her brand”, adding: “If Meghan thinks she can come along and replicate that with barely any experience simply because she’s married to a prince, she better think again. Martha doesn’t put a whole lot of faith in her succeeding, but if she does prove to be any competition, Martha won’t hold back in trying to take her down.”
Martha Stewart is not impressed by the comparisons
There was great excitement when Meghan launched American Riviera Orchard – but months have now passed since she announced the project, with little progress evident. Initially, Meghan began to showcase the kind of products that customers might expect from her new project, namely jars of jam and dog biscuits, and there are reports a rose wine is set to follow. Netflix is also set to release a new cooking show hosted by the Duchess to promote the brand.
But it appears that American Riviera Orchard has been hit by a series of delays, with insiders now claiming it may not launch fully until next year. Sources close to Meghan have revealed to MailOnline that the US Patents and Trademarks Office has issued Notices of Irregularities over the brand’s trademark applications – noting ‘irregularities’ that must be ‘corrected’ before the full-scale launch.
The outlet alleged that the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office flagged issues including “incorrect classification of yoga blankets, picnic baskets and recipe books” — some of the merchandise the Duchess of Sussex is pursuing trademarks for. American Riviera Orchard is said to have received several notices of irregularity around clarifications for goods and services, as well as the reclassification of certain products. Such inquiries are typical while pursuing international applications due to the differences between international and U.S. standards, and all fees around such notices have been paid and no further action is required.
A source previously told PEOPLE that Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard venture “will reflect everything that she loves — family, cooking, entertaining and home décor.” “She is excited about her latest, personal venture,” the source said. “This is something she’s been wanting to do for a while. She is excited to share her style and things that she loves.”
