Meghan Markle Launches As Ever Brand; Critics Weigh In

LOS ANGELES, California — Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has officially launched her lifestyle product line, As Ever, which includes gourmet items like teas, baking mixes, and jams. The highly anticipated release occurred on Wednesday, with many products selling out within minutes.

Among the popular items was a $28 wildflower honey that reportedly vanished from shelves in under five minutes. This rapid sales success has led some royal commentators to raise concerns about the motivations behind her entrepreneurial endeavors.

Duncan Larcombe, former royal editor of The Sun, told Fox News Digital, “What this represents is Meghan effectively cashing in on her fame … even using her children to try and boost her presence online.” Larcombe added that while it may appear profitable, it could take weeks to gauge the line’s overall success.

Despite her commercial achievements, Larcombe noted, “she isn’t popular here [in the U.K.]. And I can’t imagine that having a range of products like this is going to make any difference.” The Duchess of Sussex, 43, has created what some have dubbed “The Meghan Effect,” analogous to the market influence of her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton.

Helena Chard, a British broadcaster, expressed skepticism about the authenticity of Markle’s brand. Chard commented, “This seems pretty lowbrow, although it’s bound to bring Meghan success. The product prices are not astronomical. They are affordable for her fans wishing to buy into ‘The Meghan Effect.’” However, she also questioned whether the items are competitively priced and appealing enough to ensure sustained sales.

Meghan Markle transitioned to royal life after marrying Prince Harry in 2018. The couple stepped back from their senior royal roles in 2020, citing intrusive media attention and a lack of support from the royal family. Seeking financial independence, they relocated to California, where they are raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Upon leaving royal duties, the couple received a substantial sum from the royal family and created the Archewell Foundation, while also pursuing commercial contracts such as their agreement with Netflix. Recently, Markle’s lifestyle brand, originally named American Riviera Orchard, was rebranded as As Ever due to trademark issues.

The line’s launch coalesced with Markle’s Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan,” which premiered earlier this month. Critics have labeled the series as unrelatable and inauthentic, suggesting it doesn’t resonate with the general public.

Amid the controversies, Ian Pelham Turner, a royal commentator, noted, “Meghan is just following royal traditions with her own ‘royal range.’” He further mentioned, “We must not forget that, before her exit, Meghan was instrumental in working with women serving food to those in distress, eventually creating a recipe book to raise funds for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.”

Despite criticisms of her use of royal branding for commercial gain, some believe Markle deserves recognition for her work, both past and present. Turner added, “Meghan deserves respect, not criticism, for enduring the painful times she has experienced.”

Meghan Markle’s entrepreneurial journey continues to unfold, and as new episodes of “With Love, Meghan” are set to premiere in the fall, the public remains divided over her decisions in the wake of her royal departure.