In the midst of an ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family, Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to be quietly hopeful that Meghan Markle’s latest business endeavor finds success — even if they continue to keep their distance.
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield shared insights into the Prince and Princess of Wales’ response to Meghan’s recent product launch under her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand introduced its first wine offering on July 1 — the birthday of the late Princess Diana, a date that holds deep emotional significance for both William and Harry.
The timing raised eyebrows. Schofield criticized the move as “shockingly tone deaf,” suggesting it may have been perceived as poorly timed or even intentionally provocative. “To launch an alcohol brand on Diana’s birthday, it felt pointed — or at the very least, shockingly tone deaf,” she told The Sun.
While William and Kate have made it a point not to react publicly to the Sussexes’ activities, Schofield said the royal couple has been “quite good at ignoring” them in recent years. Nonetheless, she acknowledged that anything connected to Diana still hits a “tender spot” for Prince William.
Despite personal and public tensions, Schofield revealed there may be a strategic hope within the Royal Family that Harry and Meghan eventually thrive in the business world. “Not out of affection,” she noted, “but out of strategy. The thinking goes, if they're secure and financially stable, maybe the public criticism towards the palace and media outbursts will subside.”
As the Sussexes continue to build their brand outside the monarchy, it appears the royals are quietly rooting for their success — if only for the sake of peace.
