Royal prankster redirects Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand to rival King Charles jam site

A royal prankster has caused a stir by purchasing a domain name similar to Meghan Markle’s luxury lifestyle brand and redirecting it to a page for King Charles’s rival jam. The mischievous move comes after the Duchess of Sussex launched her brand with 50 jars of strawberry preserve sent to influencers across the US.

The domain name, American Riviera Orchard, is registered to sell various products including recipe books, tableware, textiles, jams, and marmalades. However, one version of the site now leads to Waitrose’s Duchy Organic Strawberry Jam, sparking a playful rivalry between the King and the Duchess in the jam stakes.

While the prank may have been intended for fun, it has inadvertently raised over £7,500 for the Trussell Trust, a charity that aims to end food poverty in the UK. The fundraiser, created with good intentions, has garnered support from donors who see it as a way to help those in need amidst the launch of a luxury brand.

As the royal family faces challenges with the King and Princess’s illnesses, the unveiling of Markle’s new lifestyle brand adds another layer of complexity. With only nine working royals left, the impact of Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their royal duties in 2020 is evident.

The Independent has reached out to Waitrose and Meghan Markle for comment on the prank and the unexpected fundraiser. Sophie Carre, Director of Public Engagement at the Trussell Trust, expressed gratitude for the support but clarified that the charity is not affiliated with the website domain.