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.
