Author: Mr Bang

Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand has suffered another setback regarding its trademark, according to reports.

Meghan Markle has allegedly run into a “multi-billion dollar problem” regarding her lifestyle brand, Amerian Riviera Orchard (ARO), it has been claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex soft-launched her new business venture all the way back in March, however, after a short promotion period, there have not been any significant updates.

American Riviera Orchard is expected to sell a wide variety of products, including jams, dog biscuits and homeware items.

But it is not known when the official launch will take place, with hopes that the products could potentially hit the shelves before the end of this year.

As in many new businesses, the duchess’s launch has suffered many setbacks, with the latest one in September reportedly involving “irregularities” with its trademark and its registration to the US Patents and Trademarks Office – the agency responsible for granting US patents and registering trademarks.

Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand is yet to be launched (Image: Getty)

At the time, it was understood that the Notices of Irregularity were entirely normal and expected and that any fees associated with them had been paid.

But now, a new report by the Daily Mail has claimed that the latest setback regarding ARO’s trademark came in the form of a “protest” to USPTO by a firm owning the trademark “Royal Riviera”.

The report said: “The owner, Harry & David, is an American institution, founded in 1934, with annual sales of £1.7billion and 3,300 staff.”

It added that the protest was “deemed relevant” due to “likelihood of confusion” and has already been referred to USPTO’s examining attorney, Marco Wright.

Meghan Markle’s brand has suffered another setback (Image: Getty)

Speaking about the issue, Mr Eden said: “Her bid to trademark the American Riviera Orchard name has run into what might be described as a multi-billion dollar problem.”

The Daily Mail Diary Editor, Richard Eden, noted: “The scope of her ambitions appears to know no bounds, as was memorably observed by her friend, Kim Kardashian, who said that Meghan Markle was intent on ‘changing the world’.

“But are those dreams destined to be forever foiled?”

The Duchess of Sussex has been contacted for comment.

The Duchess of Sussex has made it clear that she does not want to return to the UK, with Prince Harry flying back to his home country solo since 2022.

Meghan Markle hasn’t been in the UK since 2022 (Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Since quitting life as a senior member of the Royal Family, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have been living across the pond in their Montecito mansion.

With ongoing rows over Prince Harry’s US visa following the revelation of his past drug use in his 2023 memoir Spare, many royal fans have been questioning whether the couple would return to England if the duke had his right to live in America revoked.

However, this idea of a return to the UK has been squashed by many, with Meghan, 43, making her feelings clear years ago that she never wants to return to her husband’s home country.

In the book Endgame, which was released last year, author Omid Scobie said that the Duchess of Sussex “never felt at home” in the UK and “never wants to set foot again in England”.

This has been hinted at by the duchess herself, who has not visited the country with Harry since 2022 when they attended the funeral of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth.

Since then, Harry has visited the UK many times, however, this has always been alone.

This includes his flight over for the King’s Coronation last year, his visit to his dad this year after the King’s cancer diagnosis, and the WellChild Awards ceremony just last month.

The duke, 40, was also alone this summer when he flew to the UK for a Spencer family funeral, staying at the childhood home of his late mother Princess Diana with his uncle Earl Charles Spencer.

The idea that Meghan may never return to the UK has also been suggested by a number of royal experts.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to America in 2020 (Image: Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images)

Charles Rae, former Royal Correspondent for The Sun, told GB News: “In terms of Meghan, I’m of the school that does not believe that Meghan will ever return to this country.

“She’s had plenty of ways that she could return with the Duke of Sussex, and she’s decided that she doesn’t want to.

“She’s made one stop over in this country at an airport when Harry was here, he picked her up at the airport, and they flew off for some sort of royal visit.

“But, no, I don’t believe that she ever wants to come back to this country, which is a great pity. But she’s made her bed, she wants to lie in it, and she’s going to carry on staying in California.”

Camilla burst in tears a William and Kate plan to expose her secret involvement in the Diana’s accid

In a dramatic turn of events, Camilla Parker Bowles was reported to have burst into tears upon learning of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s plan to unveil what they claimed was her secret involvement in Princess Diana’s tragic accident. The news sent shockwaves through the British royal family and the public alike, reigniting old controversies and stirring up a storm of speculation and intrigue.

The revelation comes amid ongoing tensions within the royal family, where personal grievances and long-buried secrets seem to resurface with alarming regularity. According to sources close to the royal household, William and Kate have been gathering evidence that purportedly links Camilla to Diana’s fatal accident in 1997. This dramatic accusation has caused a significant rift between the current royal generation and Camilla, who has long been a controversial figure due to her relationship with King Charles III and her involvement in Diana’s life and death.

Camilla’s emotional reaction underscores the gravity of the situation. Reportedly, she was overwhelmed by the accusation and the prospect of her alleged involvement being brought into the public eye. This emotional outburst highlights the personal toll that the ongoing drama has taken on her. For Camilla, who has spent years trying to reshape her public image and integrate herself into royal duties, this new scandal threatens to unravel her progress and tarnish her reputation further.

 

The plan by William and Kate to expose Camilla’s alleged secrets appears to be part of a broader strategy to confront what they see as unresolved issues surrounding Diana’s death. For years, both William and Harry have expressed their desire to bring clarity to the circumstances surrounding their mother’s tragic end. The involvement of Kate, a figure widely regarded for her diplomacy and commitment to charitable work, adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding drama. Her role in this plan suggests that it is not just a personal vendetta but a strategic move aimed at addressing perceived injustices.

 

The timing of this development is also noteworthy. With the royal family undergoing significant changes and facing public scrutiny over various issues, the resurfacing of Diana’s legacy and the allegations against Camilla could have far-reaching implications. It threatens to distract from the current royal engagements and overshadow the positive contributions made by members of the royal family.

As the story continues to develop, the public is left to ponder the accuracy and motives behind these explosive claims. Whether or not there is truth to the allegations against Camilla remains to be seen, but the emotional and political ramifications are undeniable. The incident highlights the continuing impact of Diana’s legacy on the royal family and raises questions about how past grievances can influence current dynamics within one of the world’s most scrutinized institutions.

In the midst of this turmoil, Camilla’s emotional reaction serves as a poignant reminder of the personal and human aspects behind royal scandals. It underscores the complex interplay between public perception and private reality within the royal family, and the extent to which past events continue to shape present relationships and reputations.

After weeks out of the spotlight, Meghan Markle returned with a bang on Monday.

The 41-year-old made a surprise appearance in a video tribute for her dear friend Misan Harriman and all eyes were on her new appearance.

Meghan Markle debuted a new look during a surprise video appearance

Meghan wore her long hair in a poker straight style as she debuted a sleek new look. And fans were quick to notice her striking similarity to her royal sister-in-law, Princess Kate.

The Duchess appears to have lightened her hair with a warm honey shade, more similar to Kate’s, and showcased glowing natural makeup, also favoured by the Princess.

© Getty Images

Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton are sporting similar hair styles

“She looks like Kate Middleton! Wow!” one royal fan remarked. A second added: “She’s beginning to look a lot like the Princess of Wales…”

From the moment  hat Meghan’s engagement to Prince Harry was announced in November 2017, comparison have been drawn between the two women. Find out more in the video below…

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s similarities

And they do seem to have much in common when it comes to their style, from matching plaid coats to sheer necklines, colour-block dresses and royal blue cocktail numbers.

While relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family remain incredibly strained, Meghan did speak out in praise of Kate shortly after her engagement to Harry.

The couple spoke to the BBC shortly after he popped the question – and they were asked about Meghan’s introduction to members of the royal family.

© Photo: Getty Images
Kate and Meghan have much in common when it comes to their style

“It was exciting, I mean I’ve – you know I’d been seeing her for a period of time when I – literally didn’t tell anybody at all,” Harry replied. “And then William was longing to meet her and so was Catherine.

“So, you know, being our neighbours, we managed to get that in a couple of – well quite a few times now and Catherine has been absolutely…

“She’s been wonderful,” Meghan interjected. “… amazing,” the Prince agreed. “As has William as well, you know, fantastic support.”

Children’s authors have hit out at Meghan Markle for seemingly thinking it would be an easy venture, despite The Bench only selling 8,000 UK copies.

Meghan Markle has been slammed by fellow authors for her “flop” book, The Bench, as they argue celebrities should stop trying to pursue side-hustles in literature.

Children’s authors have taken an issue with the Duchess of Sussex one day choosing to become an author, seemingly thinking it would be a walk in the park.

Meghan’s attempt was branded a “flop” by The Guardian, noting it “made a lot of headlines but didn’t sell at all well”.

According to figures for Nielsen BookScan and reported by the outlet, only 8,000 copes of The Bench have been sold in the UK since its release in 2021.

Author and poet Joshua Seigal hit out at the former royal for not appreciating the “skill, practice and discipline” required to be a professional children’s author.

Meghan Markle has been slammed by fellow authors over her ‘flop’ book, The Bench. (Image: YouTube)

The Bench reportedly only sold 8,000 copes in the UK. (Image: Getty)

He wrote: “These celebrities do not need any more money or exposure, but plenty of genuine writers do … Writing for children is an art.

“It requires skill, practice and discipline. I work really hard on my art, and it’s quite galling that people seem to think it is something that’s easy to do.”

Meghan reportedly bagged £500,000 for The Bench, despite it only being 40 pages.

Author James A Lyons vented his frustration, saying: “I sent out 180 queries across three manuscripts over four years. Non-celebrities face hundreds of rejections and not a fast-tracked ticket to the front of the queue.”

Author Katherine Rundell also expressed her fatigue with “those celebrities who put their names to ghostwritten children’s novels”.

She further commented: “We would be shocked if you put your name to a concerto you hadn’t composed; we would find it supremely embarrassing if you signed a painting you hadn’t painted.

“It poisons the water. It makes it harder for parents and teachers to find great children’s fiction, and it makes children’s fiction look like something cheap and thin, instead of what it is a literature with its own strangenesses, its own rigours, its own power.”

It is believed that the Duchess of Sussex penned The Bench herself. The book is a collection of thoughts and poems about the bond between a son and his father (who bears a striking similarity to Prince Harry).

Meghan is reported to have written it shortly after the birth of Prince Archie.

The CEO of the Invictus Games reveals how he was told to correctly address Meghan Markle.

The CEO of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games reveals how he was told to correctly address Meghan Markle with her response far from what a former senior royal would be referred to.

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 appointed Scott Moore as its new CEO to lead the delivery of the first-ever winter Invictus Games.

As revealed in Richard Eden’s column for the Daily Mail, he said: “I did make sure to ask how I should be addressing them when they get here.”

In a three-word demand, Scott Moore was told: “‘Ma’am’ is fine.’ He was also told a simple ‘Sir’ was fine to address the Duke of Sussex.”

Male members of the Firm should be greeted as ‘Your Royal Highness’ in the first instance and subsequently ‘Sir’. For female members, it’s ‘Your Royal Highness’ and then ‘Ma’am’.

Meghan wanted officials to address her in a certain way (Image: Getty)

Harry hired TV executive Scott Moore as the new CEO of the Winter Invictus Games (Image: Getty)

Following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step down as senior working royals in 2020 they were consequently stripped of their HRH titles.

This means the couple cannot be referred to as Your Royal Highness, but they are however allowed to keep their Duke and Duchess of Sussex title.

The decision to be addressed as Sir and Ma’am is also in stark contrast to Harry’s decision in 2020 when he asked for delegates at a tourism conference in Edinburgh to address him simply as Harry. Ahead of the short speech, event host Ayesha Hazarika told the gathering: “He’s made it clear that we are all just to call him Harry.”

The Invictus CEO asked the question about addressing the couple, ahead of Harry and Meghan’s trip to Whistler in Vancouver, Canada earlier this year.

In February 2024, the couple met competitors at the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort ahead of the 2025 games. Around 550 competitors from up to 25 nations will take part in events including sitting volleyball, swimming and wheelchair basketball. Winter sports such as alpine skiing, snowboarding and wheelchair curling will also be part of the competition for the first time.

Harry and Meghan made a big decision in relation to their children’s names (Image: Getty)

Harry and Meghan have also made a big decision in relation to their children’s names, according to their revamped website Sussex.com.

Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, have been using the surname ‘Sussex’ since King Charles’s Coronation, where they were previously known as Mountbatten-Windsor.

These new names mean they’re now breaking a 64-year-old royal tradition established in 1960, which stated that male descendants of Queen Elizabeth II would be known by the name Mountbatten-Windsor.

The last name Mountbatten-Windsor was originally assigned by Queen Elizabeth II’s advisors in 1960 to her male-line descendants.

Prince William is set to appear on screen on Wednesday and Thursday this week in a documentary about homelessness, a subject about which his late mother was passionate

Princess Diana would be angry with Harry for leaving Prince William to carry on her legacy alone, a royal expert claims.

Phil Dampier also believes the two warring brothers will never reconcile – despite William mentioning Harry by name for the first time in six years in a new documentary set to air tonight.

The Prince of Wales, 42, features in the ITV programme, called Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, which concludes on Thursday. In it, he hears stories from those in need as he tackles homelessness, something about which Diana was also passionate.

But Mr Dampier believes Diana would be furious Prince Harry has not followed the legacy with his brother. The journalist and author said: “She was determined to show them that not everybody lived in palaces, and not everybody was born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Diana let them sleep rough overnight when they were younger, to show them what it was actually like.

“It’s been seen by some as an olive branch to Harry because he’s mentioned him for the first time in six years in this documentary. I don’t see it that myself. I think the rift between them is still as wide as ever, unfortunately.

“They both could have done so much good for something which she was very anxious for them to to do and so I’m sure she’d be absolutely devastated.”

Prince William is pictured in the documentary which starts on ITV1 tonight ( 
Image:
Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

Homelessness was close to Diana’s heart, and she once took both her sons as young boys to a homeless shelter in London. William said he wanted to focus on the subject in the documentary because he said he has faced criticism about his privileged lifestyle and many residences.

It’s thought the Prince has not mentioned his brother’s name in public or in an interview since 2018, when the two, alongside the Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle, were interviewed at the Royal Foundation Forum, The Sun reports.

But though he name drops Harry in the programme, Mr Dampier believes royal fans shouldn’t get too excited by this. He added: “It’s just a rather sad indication of the fact that something which they could have worked together on, and something which they both experienced at a young age, they’re no longer doing. It’s just left William on his own, and Harry’s not joining in, so I don’t see this as an olive branch.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s brand was branded ‘toxic’ by a PR expert, as the couple appear to take on a new approach.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been seen together publicly in weeks (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new approach to promoting their projects separately is down to the fact that their Sussex brand has become “toxic” through the years, a PR expert has claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a string of solo appearances this month in what has been seen as a new take on their “dynamic”.

Harry went on a solo tour to New York, London and Southern Africa to promote his own causes, while Meghan was seen attending events on her own which held special links to her projects.

Now PR expert Ed Coram James claimed that the Sussex couple’s brands are stronger as individuals rather than as a couple after their joint ventures turned out to be “toxic and thus commercially untenable”.

He told GB News: “Since their marriage, Harry and Meghan have had a distinct brand. That brand is based on a duo.

Prince Harry tours Southern Africa (Image: Getty)

“Call it ‘Harry and Meghan’, call it ‘the Sussexes’, call it whatever you like. The fact is that for years they have become synonymous with one another.

“And, since the famous Oprah interview, in which they took a simmering disagreement between themselves and the rest of the Royal Family and essentially declared all-out-war, that brand has been steadily becoming more toxic and thus commercially untenable to the point where not that many major brands are going to be rushing to write them a large cheque based on their brand value.

“When combined, the Sussexes brand is, from a PR perspective, toxic. But, when separate, they have a genuine chance of creating an entirely separate brand, with completely different labels.”

Meanwhile, Sky News Australia senior reporter Caroline Marcus agreed and said Harry and Meghan’s initial strategy of jointly speaking against the royals made the public perceive them negatively, which is a scenario that is unlikely to change any time soon.

Meghan Markle attends a children’s hospital gala in LA (Image: Getty)

She said: “The contrast [between Harry and Meghan’s ventures and the King and Queen’s latest royal tour] is so stark because that sense of duty the King and Queen have compared to these two pretenders who couldn’t even master enough enthusiasm for the Royal Family, the traditions that Harry was lucky enough to be born into and Meghan to be married into, it’s just put off so many people”.

However, the latest shift in the couple’s business strategy was dubbed as a “twin-track approach” by one of their friends, according to People.

An insider echoed the statement and told the publication: “The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals – not just as a couple. The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track.”

 

 

King Charles and Queen Camilla wrapped up their 10-day royal tour of Australia and Samoa with an emotional farewell.

 

 

The King and Queen ended the tour at a traditional Ava ceremony, which was held in the village of Siumu, the Daily Mail reported. King Charles was bestowed with the honorary title of To’aiga-o-Tumua, and he appeared to be genuinely moved by the warm welcome he’d received during the tour.

“I shall always remain devoted to this part of the world and hope that I survive long enough to come back again and see you,” King Charles told the crowd. “We shall take away with us, I promise you, very special memories of our time here. We thank you for our wonderful gifts.”

While some outlets suggested Queen Camilla was photographed crying with laughter during the event, others noted how emotional the King and Queen both were.

Meanwhile, the village’s chief told Charles (via the Daily Mail), “Your papa Prince Philip was here, so were your brothers. So thank you for making the time. Your royal visit has lifted our house.”
King Charles shared his cancer diagnosis with the world in February. Since then, reports have suggested the King’s cancer treatment is going well.

As he is undertaking an international royal tour while undergoing cancer treatment, King Charles traveled to Australia and Samoa with two doctors.

During the farewell ceremony, King Charles told attendees (via GB News), “We’ve been so impressed by the beautiful way in which all the villages have decorated the roadsides, it is something very special about Samoa.”

The Daily Mail reported that King Charles and Queen Camilla’s royal tour has been extremely successful. “[Charles’] Australia and Samoa tour was seen by Buckingham Palace as a huge test of his reign—and surpassed all expectations,” they reported.

The outlet also noted that the Queen has been an important support for the King following his cancer diagnosis. “At Queen Camilla’s urging, he has been taking some down time by reading a ‘great’ new book,” the Daily Mail reported. “The King feels closer to his wife than ever. The couple are a ‘remarkable unit,’ courtiers say, and she has kept it ‘real’ for him.”