The Duchess of Sussex’s festive product line faces criticism from fans and
a celebrity chef who call her prices “exploitative.”
Meghan Markle’s latest business move has hit a rough patch after she unveiled
a holiday collection from her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The Duchess of Sussex
introduced a mix of new and returning products earlier this week, hoping to
bring some festive cheer to her followers.
However, the launch didn’t receive the warm response she may have expected.
Many shoppers were quick to point out that several items, including honey and
candles, were priced well above average. Some critics suggested that Meghan
was using her royal connections to justify the markup — a claim that quickly
earned the label “royal tax.”
Celebrity chef Jameson Stocks was among those unimpressed. Speaking to
Express.co.uk, he called the pricing “utterly disgraceful and shameful,”
accusing the brand of taking advantage of its audience. “There’s a big
difference between earning a fair profit and exploiting loyal customers,” he
said, adding that consumers could easily find similar products elsewhere “for
a fraction of the price.”
Stocks also questioned whether buyers were genuinely drawn to the products
themselves or simply purchasing them in the hope that their limited-edition
status would make them more valuable over time. He concluded that Meghan’s
advisers should “feel ashamed” for encouraging a strategy that, in his view,
prioritises image over integrity.
