As the holiday season approaches, Meghan Markle has rolled out her first Christmas collection under her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
But rather than sparking universal excitement, the launch has triggered a wave of criticism from fans who say the Duchess of Sussex is leaning too heavily on her royal past to promote the range.
The 44-year-old shared a social media clip of herself working at her laptop ahead of the Tuesday launch.
Perched on her desk was one of her new $64 candles and a blue notebook embossed with her royal cypher—a monogram combining the letter M with a crown, first unveiled before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.
Critics quickly accused her of “cashing in” on her royal connection, suggesting the branding was designed more to attract attention than to highlight the products themselves.
One X user wrote, “Another example of Meghan putting her royal cypher on pretty much anything,” while another added, “Pretty difficult to sell a candle for that price if it’s not royal.”
Festive Collection Highlights Royal Memories
Meghan’s holiday range draws heavily from her time as a senior royal.
The Signature Candle No. 519, for instance, pays tribute to her wedding day, with the product description promising to “evoke the freshness of a day in the English countryside” and “cherished memories” of May 19, 2018, in Windsor.
Despite the nostalgic intent, some fans have voiced indifference to the royal connection.
One commented, “For the life of me, I do not understand her obsession with all things royal.
It means absolutely nothing to me as an American.” Others were more scathing, labeling the branding “cringey,” “pathetic,” and “vulgar.”
Royal Cypher Has a Long History
Meghan has long incorporated her royal monogram into her personal items.
In the past, she sent stationery featuring the cypher to influencers and authors, and she frequently wears a gold signet ring engraved with the couple’s royal insignia—a cursive H and M crowned with a coronet featuring fleurs-de-lys and strawberry leaves.
Designed after their 2018 marriage, the monogram previously appeared on the Sussex Royal website and social media accounts.
She showcased the ring publicly at the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, demonstrating her continued nod to royal symbolism despite stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
Holiday Range Features Candles, Spreads, and Seasonal Kits
Beyond the royal references, Meghan’s Christmas collection includes two candles inspired by her wedding day and her birthday on August 4, and a 2021 Vintage Napa Valley Brut priced at $89.
Her Signature Fruit Spread Gift Set, now featuring a new strawberry flavor alongside orange marmalade and raspberry, is priced at $42 and comes in an As Ever box, a shift from her previous individual packaging.
The new packaging drew attention on social media, with some comparing it to perfume or candle packaging and raising environmental concerns about the excess materials used.
Honey and Mulling Spice Kits Add Personal Touches
Meghan also added a $32 Sage Honey With Honeycomb, highlighting her hobby as a beekeeper.
Although she harvests honey at home with her daughter Lilibet, the hives are not sufficient for commercial production—so shoppers are buying a branded product rather than Meghan’s own honey.
Additionally, the collection includes a Hot Toddy Mulling Spice Kit and a Spiced Cider Mulling Spice Kit, priced at $16 each.
Both kits require buyers to provide their own alcohol or cider to complete the drinks, as Meghan emphasizes enjoying them in the company of others.
Royal Branding Remains a Point of Contention
While the collection blends personal memories and festive treats, the consistent use of her royal cypher has dominated conversation online.
Critics argue that relying on her royal past detracts from the products themselves, though supporters maintain that the branding adds a unique storytelling element.
With the holiday season now in full swing, Meghan’s As Ever collection is likely to spark further discussion about the intersection of celebrity, branding, and royal legacy.