Meghan Markle Is Already Anticipating the Backlash for American Riviera Orchard

It seems that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sadly just come to expect backlash in everything they do, though sources close to the Sussexes explain that it’s not something that gets any easier. As Markle prepares to launch her forthcoming lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and new Netflix cooking show, the duchess “reportedly feels that every move she makes is met with criticism as she continues to face scrutiny over her upcoming and previous projects,” according to Express.

Royal author Tom Quinn also told The Mirror that Meghan now thinks anything she does will be heavily scrutinized, making her feel “very much under siege.”

“She has reached the point now where she thinks that anything and everything she does will be unfairly criticized,” Quinn explained. “With news that the couple’s Netflix contract may be under threat, along with the mockery that greeted the launch of her online brand, Meghan feels very much under siege.”

Meghan Markle Photos

The fact that both she and Harry are scrutinized for every move they make feels very “unfair” to her. “Like her husband, she feels that people are unfairly picking on her—she cannot understand why people don’t admire her work,” Quinn continued.

But the former royals don’t allow the outside noise to stop them from doing the things they’re passionate about. For example, just last week, the duke and duchess attended the 2024 ESPY Awards despite Harry receiving backlash for being named the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service. Markle supported her husband and sat beside him at the event and even posed for photos with this year’s host—and her good friend—Serena Williams.

Body language expert Darren Stanton told Express that Markle was only there to be a champion for her husband and that she wanted the evening to be “all about Harry.”

“Meghan often takes a dominant lead in the engagements she attends with Harry, but she wanted her husband to be in control,” he said. “It was her way of saying, ‘This is Harry’s night.’” Stanton added that “Meghan feels safe and loved while in his company.”

“Harry reciprocated those feelings by adopting the dominant role and wanting to be the authoritative figure,” Stanton continued. “He didn’t shy away from showing Meghan affection, either, as he maintained a closeness to Meghan throughout the ceremony.”

But no matter how much hate they receive, the couple will always have each other. Stanton noted that the two always have each other’s backs. “Meghan felt a huge sense of pride, respect, and compassion for all Harry has done,” Stanton explained of their ESPY Awards appearance. “She still sees Harry as the love of her life and is happy to be by his side in these special moments.”

Despite being very aware of all the criticism they receive from the public, Markle continues to be “pleased” with the reactions to her forthcoming brand.

“The rollout for American Riviera Orchard is already off to a strong start. The website has over 100,000 who have signed up to hear about the first products launched,” a source told Us Weekly. “Meghan is very pleased with the early interest it has gained.”