The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has officially unveiled her latest lifestyle product collection titled “As Ever” just in time for the year-end holidays. The collection features luxury items such as hand-poured candles, artisanal California honey, and gourmet spice kits, all offered at premium prices (e.g., candles at £50, honey at £49). However, instead of receiving support, Meghan is facing fierce backlash from both the public and experts.

The focal point of the outrage is the accusation that Meghan is “profiting heavily off the royal name” to sell products priced significantly higher than their actual market value.

 

Harsh Accusations from an Expert

 

One of the most vocal critics is celebrity chef Jameson Stocks. Speaking to the British media, he did not hold back, calling Meghan’s ‘As Ever’ brand “a con” and “ripping people off.”

“If Meghan was 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,” Stocks stated. “Take away the packaging—it’s nothing different to anything else in the marketplace, just a hell of a lot more price-wise.”

Stocks also alluded to the likely disapproval of the late Queen Elizabeth II. While refusing to speak on behalf of the Queen, he implied the Monarchy would be “very unhappy” to see a former member “profiting heavily on the royal name.” This accusation strikes at the core belief of many royal observers, who maintain that personal business ventures should be separate from aristocratic titles.

 

The Problem with Price and Intrinsic Value

 

The As Ever collection is designed to embody the minimalist, elegant, and “authentic” lifestyle values Meghan often champions. Yet, the high price point creates a significant contradiction with the “people’s princess” image she strives to cultivate.

The £50 candle and £49 jar of honey are deemed excessively luxurious for the average consumer. Critics argue that customers are not paying for superior quality; they are paying for “the Royal connection” on the product—an advantage Meghan gained through her marriage to Prince Harry.

 

Community Reactions

 

On social media, the reaction has been equally sharp. Many feel that Meghan’s commercialization of consumer goods using her title as the Duchess of Sussex is in poor taste and contradicts her promise of financial independence.

This incident once again raises the question of the boundary between building a personal brand and respecting a royal title, illustrating that Meghan Markle continues to struggle to find a balance between fame and revenue.