Meghan Markle surprised royal fans when she announced her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard with a nod to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana

Meghan’s decision to launch her new brand was criticised

Meghan Markle “sees herself as Princess Diana’s heir” as she “cashes in” on her legacy, according to a royal expert.

The Duchess of Sussex launched her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard earlier this month, and it was later revealed her new business venture would see her selling a wide variety of products, including homewares, table linen, crockery, nut butters and jams. It also emerged that she planned on creating her own cosmetics line under her new brand, and planned to branch out internationally with a range of haircare products, home fragrances and pet care.

While Meghan has yet to announce the official launch date of American Riviera Orchard, fans have been going wild over the teaser video that was released to unveil the mother-of-two’s new venture, as it revealed never-before-seen snippets of Meghan and Prince Harry ’s lavish mansion in Montecito, California. It was estimated the former Suits star could rake in more than six-figures in sales during the first week, but one royal expert believes Meghan is using her late mother-in-law’s legacy to help her new venture, as it was announced on a very important date.

“It’s really significant that Meghan‘s new American Riviera Orchard brand was launched on the same date as the Diana award – Meghan has always seen herself as Diane’s heir. She sees herself as suffering because of the media, just as she feels Diana suffered, but on this side of the pond at least, there will be a huge amount of criticism that she is just trying to cash in on Diana’s legacy,” royal expert and author Tom Quinn exclusively tells us.

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While he claims there are “groans” at Kensington Palace over Meghan’s new venture, he believes the ex-actress “just cannot understand” why making money out of her “connections” could be frowned upon. Meghan unveiled American Riviera Orchard on the same day as The Diana Award ceremony, which saw the late Princess of Wales ’ warring sons deliver heartfelt speeches in honour of their mother.

Prince William took to the stage at the Science Museum in London earlier this month to give a short speech to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary, and said his mother had taught him that “everyone has the potential to give something back, that everyone in need deserves a supporting hand in life.”

Harry and William spoke fondly about their mother at The Diana Awards earlier this month ( 

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Getty Images)

Harry waited until William had left the event before he spoke via video call with 20 Legacy Award winners from around the world. “My mum would be incredibly proud of all of the work that you’ve done, I’m incredibly proud and thank you for doing everything that you do,” the 39-year-old said. “I’m sorry I can’t be there. I wish I could be there with you guys.”