Meghan Markle: The Lifestyle Influencer
It’s official: Meghan Markle is reinventing herself as a lifestyle influencer. This week saw the big reveal of her new venture, American Riviera Orchard. An accompanying video gives a little more information, showcasing the Duchess of Sussex in various aspirational settings. With the launch of American Riviera Orchard, Meghan is stepping into the world of lifestyle branding, drawing comparisons to other celebrities turned lifestyle gurus.
The Tradition of Royal Lifestyle Influence
What Meghan is doing with American Riviera Orchard is not a new concept within the royal family. For centuries, members of royalty have been lifestyle influencers, popularizing trends, promoting products, and even creating their own brands. The idea of royals using their influence to endorse and sell products dates back to the 15th century.
Royal Warrants and Endorsements
The practice of granting royal warrants to businesses, allowing them to use the royal arms in connection with their products or services, has been a longstanding tradition. By bestowing these warrants, the monarch’s patronage helps businesses thrive by showcasing their approval. This influence extends beyond mere advertising, as it signifies a mark of recognition for providing goods or services to the royal household.
Royals as Cultural Influencers
Aside from official endorsements, royals have historically wielded soft cultural power to influence trends and preferences. Queen Alexandra’s patronage of Fabergé in Edwardian society, for example, directly impacted the popularity of the brand. The royals’ choices in fashion, decor, and lifestyle have often set trends for the wider public.
Royal Family’s Modern Ventures
In more recent times, members of the royal family have diversified their income streams by engaging in commercial ventures. Prince Charles’s Duchy Originals brand, focusing on organic farming practices, has been a successful example of a royal-led business that promotes sustainability and generates profits for charitable causes. Similarly, Prince William’s initiative to fund his office through profits from the Duchy of Cornwall showcases a modern approach to financial independence for royals.
Royals Embracing Entrepreneurship
Meghan’s launch of American Riviera Orchard and her potential foray into hosting events or accommodations follows a tradition of royals exploring entrepreneurial opportunities. Whether it’s creating a lifestyle brand, operating a bed and breakfast, or renting out properties, these ventures allow royals to diversify their income sources and reduce reliance on taxpayer funding.
In Conclusion
The royal family’s influence as lifestyle influencers spans centuries, evolving with the times to embrace modern business practices and entrepreneurial endeavors. Meghan Markle’s foray into lifestyle branding with American Riviera Orchard is just the latest chapter in a long history of royal entrepreneurship and cultural influence.
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