Meghan Markle strategically ditches Prince Harry from American Riviera Orchard

Meghan Markle's decision to exclude Prince Harry from activities at the American Riviera Orchard is intentional and strategic.

The promotional video showcases Meghan alone, without Prince Harry, implying that the venture will be solely Meghan's project. A branding strategist has highlighted why this could serve as a compelling selling point for the Duchess of Sussex.

Lucie Greene told Fabulous: “Speculative - but strategically it could be so that there's no sense that she's leveraging a direct royal connection, or Harry isn't at least, for commercial ends. 

“Also, she has credibility as a former lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur in this space. He doesn't.  She's building a new business based on her previous experiences and ventures.”

Previously the Duchess of Sussex ran her now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig, which featured recipes, travel and fashion guides, but she shut it down when she started dating Harry.

Lucie added: “I think she has more credibility and has historically leaned more towards lifestyle projects vs Harry who has remained mainly philanthropic in his focus.”

Meghan teased the launch of American Riviera Orchard in March on Instagram, where the company bio reads “by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.”

Lucie said this could be key to creating a 'for women, by women' narrative for the brand.

She continued: “I think she's always identified herself as a female entrepreneur and a woman in business. And connected with other female leaders and celebrities on this basis.”

In addition to this, the brand expert said Meghan “probably wants something of her own and historically her brand”.

Lucie said: “Even in the early days as a royal [she] was rooted in being someone who had her own thing going on, her own interests, career and aspirations.”

Meghan is yet to make a sale, despite the initial excitement surrounding the promotion, and Lucie shared how the delay in selling could be down to Meghan trying to find investors for the company.

So far, the Duchess of Sussex has sent branded strawberry jams to over 50 friends and influencers, including to Chrissy Teigen, Heather Dorak, Tracy Robbins and Kris Jenner.

Meghan also sent two further products - raspberry jam and dog treats - to Prince Harry's polo pal Nacho Figueras.

The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly planning to launch a bottle of rosé and it’ll be the first item available for the public to buy, according to the Daily Mail.