Meghan Faces Accusation of Exploiting Royal Ties in Criticism of Sussex's Venture

Criticism of Meghan Markle's As Ever Brand

Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand has faced significant scrutiny from industry experts, who have accused the company of leveraging her royal connections to drive sales. The criticism comes from a branding expert and a lawyer, both of whom have worked with high-profile clients like Dior, Mercedes-Benz, and L’Oreal.

The branding expert, Camille Moore, described the brand as “the worst execution to date,” suggesting that while it might be generating free publicity, it is failing to deliver on its promises. She expressed frustration over what she sees as a lack of consistency in the brand’s messaging and strategy.

Phillip Millar, the lawyer, echoed these sentiments, stating that As Ever is merely capitalizing on Meghan’s fame from her time on Suits and her role as a member of the Royal Family. He argued that while this approach can yield short-term profits, it is not a sustainable long-term strategy.

Controversy Over Royal Title Usage

A recent controversy emerged when it was revealed that Meghan had signed a gift card with the message: “With the Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.” This caused some concern, as it was previously agreed that Meghan and Prince Harry would not use the title HRH in commercial or public settings after stepping down as working royals in 2020.

Meghan and Harry maintained that the use of the title on a private card did not violate any rules. However, critics argue that the brand should reflect a more consistent image. The lawyer suggested that Meghan should position herself as a disruptor and a rebel rather than relying on her royal background.

Product Availability Issues

One of the main criticisms of As Ever has been the repeated scarcity of its products. Items often sell out within hours of being released, leading to frustration among customers. The latest example was the release of Meghan’s Napa Valley Rosé, which became unavailable almost immediately due to high demand.

This issue has sparked debate about whether the brand is effectively managing its inventory. While some see the scarcity as a marketing tactic, similar to a sneaker drop, others argue that it can be off-putting for customers who want consistent access to products.

Meghan has acknowledged the stock issues, noting that the initial scarcity might be a hook for customers. However, she also expressed concerns that it could become annoying if not managed properly. She emphasized the importance of having products available on shelves regularly rather than only occasionally.

Customer Loyalty and Future Plans

Despite the challenges, As Ever has proven to be popular with its audience. Even when restocks are announced, they often sell out quickly. For instance, a recent restock of core products such as apricot spread and honey sold out within minutes.

Meghan has shared videos on social media expressing excitement over the brand’s success, highlighting the efforts made to ensure sufficient inventory for future launches. She has also encouraged fans to enjoy the products, including the now-famous flower sprinkles.

As Ever continues to grow, the brand faces the challenge of balancing its unique identity with the expectations of its loyal customer base. Whether it can maintain this balance while addressing the criticisms it has received remains to be seen.