Meghan Markle was reportedly left "in tears" over the criticism she received over the launch of American Riviera Orchard.

The 43-year-old launched her new lifestyle brand back in March, giving fans a teaser of the launch with the release of a cryptic video.

The clip, which was filmed at the couple's Montecito mansion, shows the Duchess of Sussex walking around the lavish grounds of their family home.

Due to her and husband Prince Harry's plummeting public opinion since standing down from the Firm, Meghan was forced to prepare for a huge PR drive to improve her image prior to the launch.

However, despite this, royal author Tom Quinn said that Meghan was left devastated over the public's reaction to her brand.

The author told 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.

"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 added: "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."

The mother of two is reportedly planning on a PR blitz in the run up to American Riviera Orchard going live, which could be as early as the end of this year.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped down from royal duties back in 2020. The couple now live in California with Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.