MONTECITO, Calif. (AP) — Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has returned to Instagram to tease a new brand that records show could feature jams, household items, cookbooks, and cutlery.
The previous actress left Instagram when she became engaged to Prince Harry, and recently discussed the risks of social media. However, on Thursday, a new account called American Riviera Orchard showed up on Instagram, stating it was made by Meghan. The unverified account had pictures of a logo and a link to a website for joining a waitlist to learn more details.
In February, documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office registered the American Riviera Orchard name and sought trademark protection for various goods and services, including textiles, cutlery, 'jellies, jams; marmalades' and assorted food spreads. The filing also mentioned the possibility of featuring 'coffee services in the nature of tableware; tea services in the nature of tableware; servingware for serving food and drinks; decanters' and other beverage wear.
The filing also stated that cookbooks and a retail space should be covered by the application.
A message to a representative of the duchess was not immediately returned. The trademark was filed under a company called Mama Knows Best, which Delaware records show was registered in January.
'The American Riviera' has been a trademarked phrase used to promote tourism and travel in the Santa Barbara area.
During a panel at the South by Southwest festival last week, Meghan spoke alongside Katie Couric and Brooke Shields about the negative impact social media had on young mothers, including herself. She revealed that she faced online 'bullying and abuse' when pregnant with her two children, as well as after they were born.
“I keep my distance from it right now just for my own well-being,” she said. “You really wrap your head around why people would be so hateful. It’s not catty. It’s cruel.”
Before marrying Prince Harry, Meghan starred on the series “Suits” and ran a well-liked blog, The Tig. She closed it after her engagement, although she and Harry shared an Instagram account when they were still senior working royals.
Meghan and Harry reside in Montecito, California, a coastal community near Santa Barbara that is home to various celebrities. The Instagram post announcing American Riviera Orchard includes a mention of Montecito.
The couple stepped down from official royal duties in January 2020, relinquishing their titles of “your highness” and stopping public funding. Meghan did a podcast for Spotify, and Harry released a successful memoir in the years since then.
