Meghan Markle is facing renewed criticism following the launch of her new As Ever holiday collection, with one expert accusing the Duchess of Sussex of profiting from her royal ties. The lifestyle line, which includes £50 candles, £49 jars of honey, and £13 spice kits, has drawn backlash from the public over what many see as excessively high prices.
Critics argue that Markle is leveraging her royal identity to market everyday products at luxury rates. Celebrity chef Jameson Stocks spoke to The Express about the controversy, claiming that the collection “profits heavily off the royal name” and suggesting that the late Queen Elizabeth II would not have approved.
When asked what he believed the Queen’s opinion of Markle’s brand might have been, Stocks replied, “I can’t talk on behalf of the Queen – the Queen is the Queen.” He continued, “I don’t think she would be very happy about people profiting heavily on the royal name. I think that’s why the bad taste comes here.”
Stocks went on to argue that Markle’s celebrity background would have generated far less attention if not for her connection to the monarchy. “If Meghan were punting wine and selling honey as a TV actress, nobody would care. I think Meghan’s As Ever brand is nothing more than a con and ripping people off,” he said.
“Take away the packaging – it’s nothing different to anything else in the marketplace, just a hell of a lot more price-wise. It’s nothing,” he added.
The As Ever brand was launched as part of Meghan’s ongoing venture into lifestyle and wellness products, expanding her efforts beyond her podcast and earlier collaborations. The collection’s website describes the range as celebrating “comfort, connection, and timeless living,” but many social media users have accused it of being out of touch with the average consumer.
This is not the first time Meghan Markle’s business ventures have drawn public scrutiny. Since stepping back from royal duties with Prince Harry in 2020, she has faced ongoing criticism for blending her royal identity with commercial projects.
Despite the backlash, supporters argue that Meghan has the right to build her own brand and pursue her creative ambitions outside of royal constraints. Still, the controversy surrounding As Ever highlights the delicate balance she continues to navigate between her public image and entrepreneurial pursuits — a challenge that shows no signs of fading anytime soon.