Former Palace Staffer Claims Meghan Had to Pick a Brand Name in a Hurry But Would Like American Riviera Orchard Back
Meghan Markle recently announced the new name of her lifestyle brand that she plans to debut within weeks. The former Suits star‘s forthcoming brand was initially called American Riviera Orchard, that is until Meghan took to Instagram and shared that it will now be called “As Ever.” However, that choice has been met with a few headaches as other businesses have been operating under the “As Ever” name for years.
Here’s more on that and what someone who used to work for the royal family thinks the duchess is trying to show with her rebrand that she hasn’t been able to in years.
Former staffer believes Meghan wants to show she can do what she did before she met Harry
Grant Harrold was King Charles’ butler for seven years. During his time working for the now-monarch Harrold’s duties included that of valet, housekeeper, house manager, and driver. He also looked after Prince Harry and Prince William whenever they stayed at Highgrove House.
Harrold opined that Meghan had no other option but to pick another name quickly following issues with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office over American Riviera Orchard, but would probably like to have that name back.
Speaking on behalf of JeffBet Harrold said: “Obviously she was going to go with the American Riviera Orchard but she has changed it. She is saying it is because she felt it limited her, but I have heard that it actually because she was having issues with the trademark. She has gone with ‘As Ever’ … It is symbolizing her continuing to do what she was doing before 2014.
“I think the reason she has done this is because she had to have a quick rethink and just decided to go with something that she already had. It is nothing unusual, this happens in business all the time. I am guessing she probably would have rather had ‘American Riviera’ though.”
The former royal butler added: “I think ‘As Ever’ is very much referring to her career before joining the royal family. It is very much signifying to my mind that she will be going back to doing what she was before meeting Harry, from a business point of view. I doubt Harry will be massively involved, it comes across as very much her project and business. I think she may be trying to show that she can still stand on her own two feet as a businesswoman like she used to.”
Another company is crying foul over Meghan’s ‘As Ever’ name
Following Meghan’s announcement that her brand would now be called “As Ever,” several people pointed out that is already the name of a vintage clothing shop in New York. Well now, we’re learning that it’s also the name of a photography company.
Jen, the owner of the Arizona-based As Ever Photography, broke her silence on Instagram after finding out Meghan is using the same name as her business.
She wrote: “When one of the most famous people in the world starts using your biz name of 12+ years (that you named in honor of your grandmother), seems like they could throw me a lil bone?”
Jen tagged both Meghan and Netflix in her post.
