Prior to its formal launch, Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle company American Riviera Orchard faced a significant roadblock when its trademark was denied.
Because companies cannot function under the names of actual locations, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) denied their trademark registration, according to The Telegraph.
The Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and their two kids reside in Santa Barbara, California, and it’s commonly referred to as the “American Riviera.”
The setback was announced as Prince William, making his first official appearance since the summer holiday, returned to work with a stubble while visiting an exhibition on homelessness.
William and Kate initially unveiled the gruff appearance in an unexpected video last month when they were congratulating Team GB on their Olympic victory.
Online, the noticeably more carefree appearance caused a stir. While some royal fans begged him to maintain his stubble, others mockingly said that he appeared to be in “vacation mode.”