When Meghan launched her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, she introduced it with a video featuring her “As Ever” raspberry spread. The aesthetic—relaxed, beige‑toned, and gently curated— was dismissed by many online commenters as “tacky,” “lazy,” and “a dumb aesthetic.” Some compared the visuals to a low‑quality Pinterest post, suggesting that the effort didn’t match the status of a duchess. The criticism felt less about the product itself and more about tone and perception: Meghan’s desire to present something soft, personal, and low‑key clashed with the public’s expectation of royal grandeur or polished branding. Yet, others saw the project as a quiet, human attempt to build a non‑royal identity, one that honors her American roots and her need to define herself outside the palace script.
