Meghan Markle Names Herself CEO Of Her Troubled Luxury Brand After Many Staffers Quit

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has taken matters into her own hands by appointing herself as the CEO of her lifestyle brand after failing to find a prospect. 

Markle, 43, had been interviewing potential candidates for months following the announcement of American Riviera Orchard’s upcoming launch. 

However, in August, it was revealed that she was struggling to find an appropriate fit for the role. Insiders describe the organization as chaotic.

The Suits alum announced her new business in March, which aims to focus on home, garden, food and lifestyle wares but a release date has yet to be revealed. 

In trying to get her company off the ground, Markle has faced numerous trademark troubles, leading her to last week request a three-month extension from the US Patent and Trademark Office in order to obtain a trademark for the company.  

Markle’s request for an extension comes one month after the brand was hit with more trademark troubles after rival lifestyle brand Harry & David filed a protest against American Riviera Orchard, claiming the name is far too similar to its product line “Royal Riviera.”

Additionally, in September, the USPTO denied the duchess’ trademark application, warning that businesses are unable to trademark geographical locations. 

Despite these hurdles, Markle is trying to ensure her brand’s future success. She is reportedly trying to arrange a partnership with Netflix that could integrate products as spin-offs from her show, potentially changing the company into a media-commerce hybrid. 

Markle has lost numerous personal staffers in recent years, leading some to call her “Duchess Difficult.”

Subscribe to uInterview’s free weekly email for the latest entertainment news & exclusive celebrity videos!

Let us know what you think of the story in the comments below – join the conversation!