Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, previously expressed admiration for Ivanka Trump, according to insights from a royal expert. This revelation comes as Markle embarks on a new venture, American Riviera Orchard, which has drawn comparisons to her former lifestyle blog, The Tig.

Sources such as Page Six, Tatler, and Daily Mail have dubbed the new business initiative "The Tig 2.0," highlighting its resemblance to Markle's earlier foray into the digital lifestyle space.

In her past blog, Markle showcased conversations with various influential women, one of whom was Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former President Donald Trump. Tom Bower, a former BBC journalist and investigative reporter, detailed in his 2022 book "Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors," Markle's glowing tribute to Ivanka. According to Bower, Markle described Ivanka as not only "staggeringly beautiful" but also "incredibly savvy and intelligent," crediting her for building her own empire distinct from her father's notoriety.

Markle's blog post from 2014, as reported by Page Six, reflected on the stereotype often associated with women from privileged backgrounds, commending Ivanka for charting a different course. Unlike her peers, Ivanka focused on her education, graduating cum laude from The Wharton School, and contributed significantly to the Trump family's business ventures, including the Trump Hotel Collection and her personal brand encompassing perfumes, shoes, and bags.

The Duchess of Sussex's interaction with Ivanka left a lasting impression, leading Markle to express a desire to emulate the businesswoman's successful and balanced approach to life. Markle admired Ivanka's ability to maintain a polished appearance while juggling multiple responsibilities, aspiring to follow in her footsteps.

However, Markle's admiration for Ivanka stands in contrast to her views on Ivanka's father, Donald Trump. Markle has publicly criticized Trump as "divisive" and "misogynistic," comments that led to Trump labeling Markle as "nasty." This dichotomy underscores the complexity of Markle's public statements and relationships, reflecting a nuanced perspective that balances personal admiration with political disagreements.

As Markle continues to define her post-royal life with new business ventures and advocacy, her past writings and interviews offer a glimpse into the influences and figures who have shaped her views and aspirations. The Duchess's past praise for Ivanka Trump reveals a facet of her journey, from aspiring blogger and actress to a member of the British royal family and global influencer.