By Sheila Mckenzie-
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex has received mixed reaction after participating in a social media advert for the coffee brand Clevr Blends.
In a social media advert for Clevr Blends, Markle is seen engaging in various activities, including stacking boxes, preparing hot drinks, and sharing a moment that ends in a missed fist bump, showcasing her involvement with the brand.
Her appearance in the ad signals her first independent business venture since stepping back from her royal duties and relocating to California.
The 42-year-old actress-turned-entrepreneur has been an investor in Clevr Blends since 2020, expressing admiration for the brand’s founder and CEO, Hannah Mendoza, whom she described as a “passionate female entrepreneur.”
The former actress was captured stacking boxes, attempting a fist bump, and crafting hot drinks in the behind-the-scenes shots of the advertisement.
The Instagram video released by Clevr Blends features Meghan Markle engaging in various tasks, playfully contributing to the daily operations of the coffee brand.
Markle is seen engaging in various activities, including stacking boxes, preparing hot drinks, and sharing a moment that ends in a missed fist bump, showcasing her involvement with the brand.
Her appearance in the ad signals her first independent business venture since stepping back from her royal duties and relocating to California.
The 42-year-old actress-turned-entrepreneur has been an investor in Clevr Blends since 2020, expressing admiration for the brand’s founder and CEO, Hannah Mendoza, whom she described as a “passionate female entrepreneur.”
“I want to give a huge shout-out to our amazing Clevr team here at HQ. Without them, we are nothing,” Mendoza began in the ad. “Our fulfillment crew lovingly packing your lattes,” she continues, nodding to a team that includes Markle. “They’ve been listening to Britney [Spears] on loop since 2002.”
“[Here is] our very smart, only slightly nerdy digital team, making sure the website doesn’t crash again like it did last year,” Mendoza said, while Markle appears in the background.
“Finally, the glue that literally holds us all together,” Mendoza adds as Markle rushes by holding the Clevr packages. “Our incredible, resilient ops team that have helped make 2023 such a big success.
Meghan Markle’s involvement with Clevr Blends dates back to 2020 when she became an investor in the brand. The 42-year-old entrepreneur has been a vocal supporter of Clevr Blends’ founder and chief executive, Hannah Mendoza, whom she described as a “passionate female entrepreneur.”
Meghan has previously given Clevr Blends a five-star review, calling their coffee: “One of my favourite ways to start and end each day.”
The Duchess of Sussex came across the coffee brand in 2017 at a pop-up, before investing three years later.
This venture marks Meghan’s first solo business endeavor since stepping back from her royal duties and relocating to California.
Confirming her investment to Fortune, Meghan said: “This investment is in support of a passionate female entrepreneur who prioritizes building community alongside her business.
“I’m proud to invest in Hannah’s commitment to sourcing ethical ingredients and creating a product that I personally love and has a holistic approach to wellness. I believe in her and I believe in her company.’
Ms Mendoza said of Meghan’s investment: “Entrepreneurs need funding, but they also need advisers who care deeply about what they are building. I’m grateful to have found both in the Duchess of Sussex.
“Her passion for what we’re creating is palpable, and I couldn’t imagine a more aligned partnership. We’re excited for the road ahead
“We traveled around the US, waxing lyrical about the magic of plants. People listened, they felt better in their bodies and minds, and we created Clevr to make those feelings easier to reach.””
Instagram users flooded the comments section to throw shade at Markle for acting in a coffee ad three years after resigning from her royal duties.
“Guess this is her doing her 1 hour a week of work. From representing the late Queen to a packer,” one hater wrote. “How the mighty have fallen. Love it .”
Another added, “Haha the Duchass [sic] of Instagram, what a fall from grace.
Her participation in the ad was described as a fall from grace by publication Page 6, whilst GB News headlined their article as Meghan Markle being ‘mocked’ after appearing in ‘awkward’ online coffee ad ‘Supporting actress once again!’
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail described the ad as ‘bizarre,’ The Daily Express said she had been ‘savaged’, and both The Sun and The Daily Telegraph said the duchess had returned to her acting route.
Meghan Markle and her husband Prince Harry, has been at log ahead with the British press ever since their departure from the royal duties, after the couple alleged ill treatment from ‘the firm’ whom they accused of making her feel isolated, and in the case of Harry’s brother- prince William- allegedly engaging in the sharing of false stories to the press about the duke and duchess of success.
Prince Harry was recently awarded £140k following his victory in the phone hacking case against the Mirror Group.