Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finally spoken out—but not about the controversy surrounding Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, As Ever. Instead, the couple has chosen to shift attention toward an entirely different cause.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a surprise statement through their Archewell Foundation, marking their first public message since As Ever came under fire for alleged logo plagiarism and a trademark dispute. However, rather than addressing the growing backlash, their statement focused on the prestigious NAACP Image Awards.
Harry and Meghan’s message, posted on the Archewell Foundation website, highlighted their ongoing partnership with the NAACP, which began in 2022. “Each year, the NAACP awards one individual with the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award,” the statement read.
“This award celebrates leaders who are advancing civil rights in digital spaces and leading the way to build a better online world,” the message continued.
The Sussexes then announced this year’s recipient: “The Archewell Foundation is thrilled to congratulate this year’s recipient, Dr. Alondra Nelson, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to AI policy and the advancement of civil rights.”
Their decision to focus on the NAACP Image Awards comes at a time when Meghan is facing increasing scrutiny over her lifestyle brand rebrand. After renaming American Riviera Orchard to As Ever, the Duchess of Sussex was accused of copying both the name and the logo from existing brands.
Most notably, designer Mark Kolski, who has owned a clothing brand under the As Ever name since 2015, issued a statement raising concerns over Meghan’s use of the same title. Meanwhile, a Spanish mayor also alleged that the logo bore a striking resemblance to the coat of arms of a Majorcan town.
Despite these controversies, neither Meghan nor Harry have addressed the criticism, leaving many wondering whether they will respond at all.
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Their NAACP statement was released just ahead of the 56th NAACP Image Awards, set to take place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The event is expected to be attended by high-profile figures, including Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who will receive the Chairman’s Award.
For some royal watchers, the Sussexes’ decision to highlight their NAACP partnership rather than comment on As Ever is a strategic move to shift the narrative. Others see it as an intentional snub to critics, indicating that the couple is uninterested in engaging with the backlash.
The timing of their statement has also sparked speculation about their future plans. While Harry has been deeply involved in the Invictus Games in recent weeks, Meghan appears to be focusing on her business endeavors.
Her return to Instagram and the launch of As Ever have been seen as an attempt to establish herself in the lifestyle and wellness space. However, the ongoing controversies surrounding the brand could pose challenges for its success.
At the same time, Meghan and Harry’s involvement with the NAACP continues to be a key part of their post-royal identity, reinforcing their commitment to social justice and digital civil rights.
While it remains unclear whether Meghan will directly address the As Ever controversy, one thing is certain—she and Harry are determined to keep the focus on their philanthropic efforts.
However, with public scrutiny mounting, it may only be a matter of time before the Duchess is forced to break her silence on the growing concerns surrounding her brand.
