Meghan Markle faces backlash over As Ever as critics question her British-inspired brand strategy

Well, well, well — talk about a royal plot twist! Meghan Markle is facing a fresh wave of criticism after launching As Ever, with detractors accusing the Duchess of Sussex of turning British-inspired lifestyle traditions into a lucrative business venture.

Meghan Markle’s latest commercial chapter has already stirred plenty of debate, with her lifestyle brand As Ever becoming the latest flashpoint in the long-running conversation surrounding her relationship with the royal family.

The brand, which promotes food, home and lifestyle products, has attracted attention for its polished presentation and products including preserves and floral-inspired offerings.

But some critics have raised an awkward question: why lean so heavily into imagery associated with traditional British lifestyle culture after Meghan’s very public break with royal life?

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield has reportedly criticised Meghan’s approach, arguing that the Duchess risks appearing disconnected from what audiences actually expect from her.

The criticism has added another layer to the complicated public image Meghan has developed since leaving royal duties with Prince Harry.

The couple’s decision to step back from frontline royal life in 2020 was followed by high-profile interviews, a Netflix documentary and Harry’s memoir, Spare. Their accounts of royal life generated enormous international attention and deepened tensions with members of the Royal Family.

Now, Meghan is pursuing a very different path — building a lifestyle business around carefully curated products, glossy visuals and an aspirational image.

For supporters, there is nothing contradictory about that strategy.

They could argue that Meghan is simply building a modern lifestyle brand inspired by her experiences on both sides of the Atlantic. After all, food, entertaining and home products are hardly exclusive to Britain, and the Duchess has every right to develop a business around her interests.

But critics are having none of it.

They have pointed to the apparent contrast between Meghan’s former criticisms of royal life and the brand’s elegant, traditional aesthetic. The result, they claim, is an uncomfortable mix of California lifestyle branding and British-inspired nostalgia.

And social media has predictably turned the whole thing into royal ammunition.

Some commentators have questioned whether Meghan could have chosen a more distinctly Californian direction, while others have mocked the emphasis on preserves, floral decorations and afternoon-tea-style presentation.

Yet there may be method behind the madness.

The very familiarity that irritates critics could be precisely what makes the brand commercially attractive. British-inspired luxury, celebrity influence and Meghan’s connection to the Royal Family give As Ever a built-in story that few new lifestyle brands could manufacture.

The controversy itself also keeps the Duchess in the headlines.

Whether that is clever marketing or unwanted baggage depends largely on who you ask.

For Meghan, the real challenge may not be selling jam, flowers or lifestyle products. It may be convincing a divided public that As Ever is about her future — rather than another chapter in the never-ending royal drama.

Because when your business launch has everyone talking about the palace, the biggest question is simple: is Meghan selling a lifestyle — or selling the royal connection she once walked away from?