EXCLUSIVE: A royal expert in the US says it is “very sad” how Meghan and Harry left the Royal Family to pursue their own projects.
Meghan faces a ‘very sad’ reality, an expert says (Image: Getty)
Meghan Markle has become a “laughing stock” in the U.S. after leaving the Royal Family to focus on simpler pursuits like “making jam,” according to a royal expert.
In 2020, the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry stepped back from their roles as senior working royals, ultimately relocating to Montecito, California. Since their departure, tensions between the couple and the Royal Family have remained strained.
The rift deepened after their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, where they made serious allegations against the royals. Prince Harry further aired grievances in his January 2023 memoir, Spare.
Now free from royal obligations, Harry and Meghan have used their independence to explore various projects and initiatives, carving out a new chapter of their lives away from the monarchy.
US-based royal commentator Hilary Fordwich told Daily Express US Meghan’s latest project – lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard – has not been well received in the country.
Meghan released her jam last month (Image: Tracey Robbins/Instagram)
She claimed the new venture represents a massive downgrade from what Harry and Meghan could have achieved with the royals.
The expert said: “I know that Meghan has become a laughing stock with her jam. I think it is very sad.
Harry and Meghan could have done so much for the Commonwealth. Harry could have been something of a joint King, meeting global leaders with Meghan. Now she is making jam.
Fordwich continued: “There is nowhere in the media that has said ‘this is a great step!’ Americans are very career-conscious. You are judged by where your CV is going. Your trajectory weighs heavily.
“This also raises the question of where is Harry now if all she is doing is making jam?”
Meghan recently released a new jam as part of her new brand launch, promoting via influencers’ Instagram pages.
Harry is in the UK this week (Image: Getty)
Last month, Meghan sent 50 jars of her new jam to influencers, including fashion designer Tracy Robbins and Argentine socialite Delfina Balquier.
When Harry went to the United Kingdom for an Invictus Games event earlier this week, the former actress did not accompany him.
Despite hopes for reconciliation with King Charles III, the Duke of Sussex did not meet with his father during his visit.
A spokeswoman for Harry stated, “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation about whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full schedule.”
“The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”