Meghan Markle is facing fresh scrutiny over the pricing strategy of her lifestyle brand, with one royal expert suggesting the Duchess of Sussex is profiting heavily from her celebrity status. The former working royal recently released the second batch of jams and preserves under her brand, which has sparked a mix of enthusiasm from fans and criticism from observers.
Among the most vocal critics is royal commentator Margaret Holder, who accused Meghan of charging significantly more than comparable products on the market. As reported by The Sun, Holder, speaking to a publication, coined a new nickname for the Duchess: “Meghan Mark-up.” “Customers are paying a considerable increase for Meghan’s label,” she said.
“She is taking advantage of celebrity branding. But it’s a case of Meghan Mark-up, not Meghan Markle.” The premium pricing has raised eyebrows among analysts and consumers alike, especially as the products are being marketed as artisanal and “bespoke.” Many have pointed out that similar items without a high-profile name attached tend to cost far less.
A look at the brand’s official website reveals an explanation of the product development process, featured in the FAQ section. It states: “We partner with best-in-class vendors to bring our product ideas to life—translating our founder’s recipes and bespoke concepts into beautiful, scalable goods.”
While the brand emphasizes quality and craftsmanship, critics argue that the prices may reflect more of Meghan’s star power than the intrinsic value of the products themselves. The term “celebrity tax” has often been used to describe such branding strategies, where well-known figures add significant premiums to everyday items.
Meghan launched her lifestyle brand earlier this year, marking a new chapter in her post-royal career. It follows several media ventures, including podcasting and a Netflix docuseries with husband Prince Harry. Her move into consumer goods, particularly food and wellness, mirrors the career paths of other American celebrities who have successfully built empires around personal branding.
Still, the backlash over pricing may pose challenges. As consumers become increasingly value-conscious, especially in a competitive market for organic and luxury goods, maintaining loyalty may require more than just a famous name.
While Meghan has not directly responded to the criticism, the success of her product line will likely depend on how well it balances exclusivity with accessibility. For now, fans of the Duchess seem eager to support her endeavors — even if that means paying a premium for a jar of jam.