Meghan Markle is said to be "in tears" over the "unfair criticism" of her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard.
The Duchess of Sussex unveiled her new business venture in March, initially leaving fans in suspense with only vague details about her brand.
In a mysterious video filmed at her and Prince Harry's Montecito mansion, Meghan can be seen cooking in the kitchen and strolling around their luxurious family home grounds.
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It soon became clear Meghan was planning to sell kitchen and homeware items, as well as launching her own line of oils, nut butters, jams, preserves, home fragrances and furnishings.
However, the initial excitement surrounding the Duchess' new brand quickly faded. With no further details from Meghan about when American Riviera Orchard would officially launch, she found herself needing to ramp up PR efforts to boost her image ahead of the launch.
Royal expert and author Tom Quinn suggests Meghan would have been heartbroken by the lukewarm response to American Riviera Orchard, particularly following the criticism she received over her new jam, reports the Mirror.
"The one fly in the ointment is Meghan's new internet brand, America Riviera Orchard. Meghan was in tears when the brand launched and her new jam was widely mocked for being expensive and nothing special," he explained.
"She has reached the point now where she thinks that anything and everything she does will be unfairly criticised. Like her husband, she feels that people are unfairly picking on her – she cannot understand why people don't admire her work."
He claimed Meghan wasn't prepared for any possible criticism she might face once American Riviera Orchard goes live later this year. "She is especially sensitive about any criticism of her luxurious lifestyle in the US from her point of view this is something to be admired not criticised," Tom added.
The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly planning on a PR blitz in the run up to American Riviera Orchard going live, and will attempt to win over new followers for the brand as she makes a string of appearances on chat shows and podcasts as well as giving interviews to "specially selected" journalists.
The 42-year-old is said to be desperate to improve her image, both in the US and the UK, and wants to "drive online sales" when her brand goes live, according to the Daily Express.
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