Meghan Markle will hawk her lifestyle brand’s products directly to viewers with help of Netflix

22 hours ago 14
ARTICLE AD

Meghan Markle will hawk her lifestyle brand’s products directly to viewers with the help of Netflix, multiple sources tell Page Six.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, debuted American Riviera Orchard last March with a soft launch on social media that included her gifting jars of homemade jam to high-profile friends such as Mindy Kaling, Chrissy Teigen and Kris Jenner.

But there have been many questions about who exactly is running the brand, who is funding it and what products it will include.

Markle cuddles up to Prince Harry in the trailer for her new Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan.” YouTube/Netflix

A source previously told Page Six that, despite rumors to the contrary, Markle is indeed the CEO of her lifestyle brand.

And now we’re told that Netflix also has a role in distributing products that will tie in with Markle’s new lifestyle show, “With Love, Meghan,” which launches January 15 on the streamer.

It’s not the first time the streaming giant has released products alongside its content.

When Netflix and Cupcake Vineyards launched a limited-edition Chardonnay called “Love Is Wine” last February — a companion piece for its reality TV hit “Love is Blind” — the wine sold out online within a matter of days. According to TMZ, Netflix also submitted a trademark application for the phrase “Love is Wine” on cake molds, glassware, napkin holders, plates, tea infusers, flasks and several types of drinking glasses.

Markle shows off her calligraphy skills with longtime makeup artist Daniel Martin. Netflix

“The more that Netflix is getting into live events, the more this kind of thing makes sense for their future,” a Hollywood source told Page Six.

Netflix began offering an ad-supported subscription tier in November 2022 and, the source added, “They’re working with advertisers now, which gives them more opportunity to have mutually beneficial partnerships like this.”

A rep for the Sussexes declined to comment. Page Six has reached out to Netflix for comment.

Markle will take on Martha Stewart in the lifestyle realm. Netflix

Markle has already filed trademark applications for her brand to cover an array of home goods, including tableware, kitchen linens, beverageware, coffee and tea services and more. Also listed were jellies, jams, marmalades, fruit preserves and a variety of spreads and butters, along with body soap, body oil, cosmetics and pet shampoo.

The application also covers stationery, linens, small kitchen appliances, yoga equipment and gardening gear.

But Markle has faced a slew of trademark troubles since announcing the brand’s impending launch, including rival lifestyle brand Harry & David filing a letter of protest, claiming the name American Riviera Orchard is too similar to its Royal Riviera product line.

She’s also joined by chef Roy Choi on her show. Netflix

And in September, Markle’s trademark application was refused by the USPTO, who warned that businesses cannot trademark geographical locations.

American Riviera is a nod to Santa Barbara, Calif., where she lives with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Reps for Markle have previously said such stumbling blocks were to be expected.

The Netflix series debuts on January 15. Netflix

In November, it was revealed that Markle has asked the US Patent and Trademark Office for a three-month extension to launch American Riviera Orchard.

The first glimpse of “With Love, Meghan” dropped last week and featured Markle showing off her cooking and gardening skills in a designer outfit with appearances from her celebrity friends including Mindy Kaling, chef Roy Choi, Alice Waters and her “Suits” co-star and BFF Abigail Spencer.

“I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it,” Markle says in the video, which shows her working in a kitchen while the Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Do You Believe in Magic” plays in the background. “Surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.”

Mindy Kaling is one of Markle’s celebrity friends who are seen on the new show. YouTube/Netflix

Given a piece of cake, Kaling says, “This is probably one of the most glamorous moments of my life.”

An industry insider told us that Markle had been busy working on her “entrepreneurial” efforts.

Page Six first revealed how Markle aims to follow in the footsteps of lifestyle doyenne Martha Stewart with her Netflix show, and clips promoting her brand have shown her in the kitchen of a stunning Montecito estate.

She also tries her hand at beekeeping and making honey. Netflix

She filmed her show — which celebrates “the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining and friendship,” according to Netflix — around California and at the sprawling home of Tom and Sherrie Cipolla, philanthropists who are both fixtures on the Montecito society scene.

Markle shared the show’s trailer on her new Instagram page, writing, “I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun!”

Directed by Michael Steed, “With Love, Meghan” premieres Jan. 15 with eight episodes, each 33 minutes long. Markle and Harry, 40, produced the series via their Archewell Productions company.

She filmed the show at a friend’s house in Montecito, Calif. Netflix

This is Markle’s first solo hosting project with Netflix after she and Harry signed a multi-million dollar deal with the streamer in 2020.

In 2022, the Sussexes came out with their five-part “Harry & Meghan” docu-series, which followed their new life in California.

The project was closely followed by “Heart of Invictus,” a documentary following athletes preparing for the Harry-founded Invictus Games and, most recently, the “Polo” docu-series.

Read Entire Article