Meghan Markle's 'critical mistake' set to leave the Duchess of Sussex 'struggling'

The Duke of Sussex subsequently sent her first product of strawberry jam to 50 influencers to taste test who shared the product with their followers online.

However, it has been reported that the jams will not be the first product made available to the product, with a rose wine range likely being launched before.

According to reports, it would make commercial sense for Meghan’s first product to be a wine as many celebrities have released their own fizzy drink ranges. As a product, wines are also very marketable and more financially lucrative than jam.

However, a celebrity PR specialist has said that the brand’s social media strategy could alienate potential customers and leave the business owner “struggling to gain traction”.

Speaking on behalf of Betfred, Kayley Cornelius said: “Meghan is running before she can walk when it comes to her new brand American Riviera Orchard. It’s clear that the Duchess is trying to sell a certain lifestyle with the array of projects and products that she currently has in the pipeline, but her communication strategy is almost cryptic as she and her team are failing to speak to their audience directly.

“You can't sell a lifestyle without fostering a community, and the Duchess is making a critical mistake by not nurturing the online community she has already accumulated. Instead, we have seen a surge of influencers posting about the products. While influencer marketing can be effective, it only works when consumers feel they can join in.”

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Cornelius said that the account, which boasts over 600,000 followers, has failed to capitalise on its potential. She criticised the brand for looking “dormant” online and for failing to provide any information about its products - it last posted on March 14.

She said: “This inactivity may lead to a decline in followers, as people feel there's no point in following a brand that rarely posts content. Fans may also begin to feel disconnected from the brand, perceiving the products as too exclusive and lacking a compelling hook to keep them interested.

“Meghan is entering highly saturated markets, such as wine and jam, where brand loyalty is significant. It can be challenging to persuade customers to switch from what they know, and she'll struggle to gain traction without showcasing what makes her products unique.”

Cornelius highlighted the importance in using social media within marketing campaigns, stating that many successful new brands have used online platforms to expand their audience. She pointed out that CEOs often take on a key role within their brand’s strategy.

“If Meghan were my client, I’d advise her to make a social media comeback, whether by taking the lead on the American Riviera Orchard account or starting her own personal account as she needs to engage with her audience before they get bored and tune out entirely,” she concluded.

The duchess has run into difficulty when trying to find partners to kick-start her brand.

In a bombshell claim from royal author Tom Quinn, American Riviera Orchard's failings could be a sign the Sussexes' plans are in “serious trouble”.

Quinn said: "Harry has never had any real idea about becoming an entrepreneur or a businessman in his own right," speaking to the Mirror.

He continued: "He is trained from birth to do one thing only - to be a royal, and he has thrown that away.

His one hundred per cent support for his wife and her business ventures has never wavered - but it hasn't been enough to make a success of her company.

“Meghan is proof that self-belief won't always guarantee success. It won't always make you a great entrepreneur and businesswoman.”