American Riviera Orchards is something the Duchess of Sussex has “been wanting to do for a while,” a source tells PEOPLE
Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP/Getty
Duchess Meghan attends the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas on March 8, 2024
Meghan Markle's new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, is a true passion project.
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, unveiled a new website and Instagram page for her surprise new project last Thursday.
A source exclusively tells PEOPLE that the lifestyle brand “reflects everything she loves: family, cooking, entertaining, home decor and more.”
“She's excited about her latest personal venture,” the source says. “This is something she's wanted to do for a while. She's excited to share her personal style and what she likes.”
Sources say the brand is named after Santa Barbara, the California town where Meghan lives with Prince Harry and their two children, 4-year-old son Prince Archie and 2-year-old daughter Princess Lilibet. There is. The Duchess of Sussex felt it was a “perfect” fit. (Santa Barbara has been nicknamed the “American Riviera” for more than a century.)
“Meghan feels the name American Riviera Orchard is perfect. It feels authentic to her and she can't wait for the website to launch,” a source tells PEOPLE.
American Riviera Orchard
American Riviera Orchard's current website landing page.
RELATED: Meghan Markle is back on Instagram!Duchess of Sussex launches surprising new business
According to the trademark application, Meghan is seeking permission to sell cutlery, cookbooks and bottled food, and website visitors will be able to join an email waiting list for products and updates.
The theme of sensemaking is reminiscent of the content Meghan highlighted on her lifestyle blog The Tig, which she shut down in 2017 during her courtship with Prince Harry. 's first Instagram Story featured Meghan arranging flowers and cooking in the kitchen.
The announcement comes a month after Meghan revealed she had signed a new podcast deal with Lemonada Media, and comes a month after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry traveled to Texas for the Duchess of Sussex to speak on a panel at the SXSW conference. This took place a few days after visiting Austin.
Sources say Meghan is very supportive of the projects Prince Harry wants to pursue and wants him to establish a successful “brand”.
Andrew Chin/Getty
Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry attend the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistlers 2025 One Year To Go winter training camp on February 14, 2024 in Whistler, British Columbia.
RELATED: Meghan Markle's brand launch coincides with 4th anniversary of 'Freedom Flight' from Canada to Los Angeles
Although the couple continues to put down roots in the United States, sources say the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are being cautious about who joins their inner circle.
“They surround themselves with loyal friends and are very careful about who they invite into their lives. Meghan is very focused on building a great network,” the source says. “Not only does she remember your birthday, but she's the type of person who gives gifts that are very personal and thoughtful.”
Matt Hayward/Film Magic
Duchess Meghan attends the SXSW 2024 Conference and Festival at the Austin Convention Center on March 8, 2024 in Austin, Texas.
Can't get enough of PEOPLE's royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to stay up to date on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and more!
While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced criticism in the British press (including the launch of a slick new website, sussex.com), Meghan is focused on looking to the future.
“She may not really care. She knows who her friends are, and that's all she cares about,” the source says.
For more news about People, sign up for our newsletter.
Read the original article on People.
