Meghan Markle Brutally Mocked as Celebrity Chef Calls Her ‘As Ever’ Holiday Collection a Shameful Rip Off
Meghan Markle’s latest business venture has been hit with a wave of backlash after the Duchess of Sussex unveiled her festive As Ever holiday collection a line that has been slammed as overpriced, out of touch, and little more than a marketing gimmick. The luxury range, featuring £50 candles, £49 jars of honey, and £13 spice kits, has sparked fierce criticism from both fans and industry experts who accuse Meghan of exploiting her royal connection to sell ordinary products at inflated prices.
According to The Express, celebrity chef Jameson Stocks did not hold back when he called the Duchess’s latest offering “utterly disgraceful.” He argued that Meghan Markle was “ripping people off” by attaching astronomical price tags to everyday goods and selling them under a brand that relies more on her name than the quality of the products themselves.
“Charging £49 for honey is utterly disgraceful and shameful,” Stocks declared, noting that while businesses are entitled to make a profit, there is a clear line between fair pricing and blatant exploitation. “There’s a difference between earning a fair margin and taking advantage of loyal customers who think they’re buying something special because of who’s selling it,” he added.
The As Ever collection was designed to reflect Meghan’s lifestyle aesthetic, minimal, artisanal, and “heartfelt.” But critics say the branding feels more like a calculated attempt to cash in on the Duchess’s celebrity status than an authentic reflection of craftsmanship or tradition. Stocks went as far as to call the brand’s pricing structure a “royal tax,” implying that consumers were paying for the Markle name rather than the actual product.
“I’d recommend shopping elsewhere,” the chef continued. “You can find honey for a fraction of the price without being sold an illusion of exclusivity.” His comments have since gone viral, with many social media users echoing his frustration and mocking the Duchess’s attempt to position herself as a lifestyle tastemaker.
Stocks also accused Meghan of surrounding herself with misguided advisers who are pushing her brand in the wrong direction. “Those who encourage these pricing decisions should feel ashamed,” he said. “It’s unclear whether people are buying her products for their quality or just hoping their value will rise over time due to the limited numbers available.”
In his harsh critique, the chef compared Meghan’s As Ever products to generic “white-label” goods ordinary items repackaged with a luxury label and sold at premium prices. “I’ve visited countless wineries and artisanal producers around the world,” he explained, “and I can tell you that her products are nothing special. It’s all marketing and exclusivity with little substance behind it.”
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Stocks further speculated that Meghan’s so-called limited editions are designed purely as a marketing ploy to create artificial scarcity. “She’s using the same strategy as luxury brands selling small batches to make people think they’re buying something rare, when in reality it’s just clever branding,” he claimed.
Despite the criticism, reports suggest that the Duchess’s holiday collection is still selling briskly, largely driven by collectors and fans who view the items as novelty memorabilia rather than everyday goods. Stocks, however, dismissed this as evidence of manipulation. “Most people buying these products aren’t even using them,” he said. “They’re keeping them sealed, hoping to resell them later for profit. It’s absurd.”
This is not the first time Meghan Markle has faced criticism for her business ventures. Her earlier projects including her podcast and lifestyle collaborations have often been accused of prioritizing image over authenticity. While her supporters defend her entrepreneurial drive and branding expertise, detractors argue that each new release feels increasingly disconnected from the public she claims to inspire.
The Duchess has yet to respond to the controversy surrounding her As Ever holiday collection. But insiders suggest she remains confident in her brand’s direction, believing her approach to sustainable luxury and conscious living will eventually resonate with a loyal consumer base.
Still, as the backlash grows, it appears Meghan’s journey to build a credible lifestyle empire is far from smooth. What was meant to be a festive celebration of creativity and warmth has instead reignited accusations of vanity, greed, and royal entitlement exactly the image Meghan had hoped to escape.
