A UK domain name for the Duchess of Sussex’s new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard is directing users to a page fundraising for a UK food bank network and a message supporting Princess Kate.
Meghan’s US site is americanrivieraorchard.com for her new luxury lifestyle brand, but the home page of americanrivieraorchard.uk appears to be pushing users to a website that supports foodbank charity The Trussell Trust. The homepage for the UK domain reads: "Forgiveness. Permission. Please donate to The Trussell Trust."
The website than links out to a JustGiving page with a target of £1,000, which reads: "not meghan. hope meghan wouldn’t mind. thoughts with catherine. X."
READ MORE: Royal fans slam Meghan Markle for luxury brand's strawberry jam launch amid royal family health news
The JustGiving page has received a flurry of support, with many expressing praise for Kate and the Trust with messages such as: "We Stand With Catherine", and: "Just love what you did here!"
Meghan Markle 'to unleash her own memoirs' as Prince Harry's drops next weekThe note on the JustGiving page adds: "We can create a future where nobody goes hungry, because nobody will allow it – when we work Together for Change."
The Trussell Trust has shared a statement making it clear they are not behind the stunt. Sophie Carre, director of public engagement at the Trussell Trust, said: "The Trussell Trust are grateful to people who put their time and energy into supporting our work to end the need for food banks in the UK. The charity is not connected with this website domain and have no knowledge of who set it up."
Meghan first announced her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard on March 14, which quickly grew an online following on Instagram. However, for over a month, there have been no further announcements. Earlier this week, the first potential product has been revealed as friends of the Duchess have received handmade pots of strawberry jam, hinting that this could be the first release from the luxury lifestyle brand.
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The new jam launch could also spell trouble for Meghan and Harry as they consider a potential resolution with the royal family. The couple, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, have made controversial comments in interviews and their Netflix series which has seen their relationship with the royal family strained and tense.
Another potential sore point is that Meghan could also face competition against her estranged royal family. Fans online have pointed out that Meghan's brother-in-law could go to head to head with her as strawberry jam from Prince William ’s Duchy of Cornwall estate is currently available for £2.80 a jar at Waitrose.