Serena Williams and Oprah Winfrey’s silence on social media highlights challenges for Meghan Markle’s latest venture

Meghan Markle‘s latest business venture, American Riviera Orchard, has hit a stumbling block as some of her closest celebrity friends have not shown their support. Despite garnering 615,000 followers since its launch on March 14, the brand has not received social media endorsements from notable allies like Serena Williams and Oprah Winfrey.

Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard, which started with branded jams and aims to expand into homewares, make-up, and pet food, has struggled to find its footing. Serena Williams, who attended Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, and Oprah Winfrey, who hosted a groundbreaking interview with the Sussexes in 2021, have not followed or promoted the brand online. Their absence is noticeable, especially given their previous public support for Meghan.

While Serena and Oprah remain silent, other celebrities like Kris Jenner and Tracy Robbins have shown their support. Jenner, the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family, shared a post on social media in April, thanking Meghan for a jar of limited-edition jam from her brand.

Despite these endorsements, Meghan’s brand faces significant challenges. A recent copyright scandal saw a copycat website using the American Riviera Orchard name to sell anti-monarchist merchandise. This incident further complicates Meghan’s efforts to establish her brand in the competitive marketplace.

Royal author Tom Quinn has suggested that the lack of support from Meghan’s high-profile friends could indicate deeper issues within the Sussexes’ entrepreneurial endeavours. Quinn pointed out that Prince Harry, who has always supported his wife’s ventures, lacks business experience, which might be affecting their success.

The challenges faced by American Riviera Orchard reflect broader issues that Meghan and Harry face as they navigate their new lives outside the Royal Family. The transition from royal duties to private entrepreneurship has proven to be difficult, with their ventures often under intense scrutiny.

Analysis:

Political:

Meghan Markle’s business challenges highlight the intersection of royalty and private enterprise. The Sussexes’ transition from royal duties to entrepreneurship has political implications, particularly in the context of their publicized exit from royal life. Their struggles can be seen as a reflection of the broader debate on the roles and responsibilities of modern royals. The lack of support from high-profile friends like Serena Williams and Oprah Winfrey could suggest a cautious approach by celebrities wary of associating with ventures that might attract political controversy.

Social:

The social dynamics of Meghan’s business struggles are significant. Her inability to garner public support from close friends mirrors broader societal debates about loyalty, support, and the influence of social media endorsements. It raises questions about the nature of friendships in the public eye and the impact of celebrity endorsements on business success. The silence from Serena and Oprah, both vocal supporters in the past, highlights the pressures and expectations placed on public figures to support each other’s ventures.

Racial:

Meghan Markle’s experiences as a biracial woman in the public eye add a layer of complexity to her business struggles. Her challenges highlight the intersection of race and entrepreneurship, particularly for women of color. The lack of support from high-profile allies can be seen through the lens of racial solidarity and the additional hurdles faced by minority entrepreneurs. Meghan’s journey underscores the importance of representation and support within and beyond the celebrity circle.

Gender:

Meghan’s entrepreneurial journey reflects the gendered challenges women face in business. Despite her high profile and previous success, she encounters significant obstacles in establishing her brand. The silence from influential female friends like Serena Williams and Oprah Winfrey could reflect the broader issue of gender solidarity and support in business. Meghan’s experience underscores the need for robust networks and partnerships to navigate the competitive business landscape.

Economical:

Economically, Meghan Markle’s business struggles highlight the challenges of brand building and market entry, even for high-profile individuals. The copyright scandal and the lack of social media endorsements from key allies impact the brand’s credibility and market reach. Meghan’s venture underscores the importance of strategic alliances and effective marketing in establishing a successful business. The Sussexes’ experiences reflect the broader economic realities of transitioning from public service to private enterprise.