News April 04,2025 | Independence Journal Editorial Team

Harry Scandal OVERSHADOWS Meghan’s Debut

Meghan Markle’s “As Ever” lifestyle brand made a splash with a rapid product sell-out, but criticism over its marketing and Prince Harry’s looming legal troubles cast a shadow over the launch.

At a Glance

Meghan Markle launched her lifestyle brand As Ever with nine debut products.

The brand sold out quickly, sparking accusations of artificial scarcity.

Prince Harry faces allegations of harassment tied to his charitable work.

The company’s third-party seller has received backlash for poor service.

Critics have called the launch inauthentic and overly commercialized.

Meghan Markle Introduces As Ever

Meghan Markle has officially entered the lifestyle market with the launch of her new brand, As Ever, offering products like $15 “flower sprinkles” and artisan fruit spreads. Marketed as whimsical and meaningful, each item is packaged to be reused for storing keepsakes—a strategy that aligns with eco-conscious branding and Meghan’s personal storytelling approach.

One of the most talked-about products is the fruit spread, described by Markle as a “magical portal” to her Montecito home. Despite limited supply and the high price tag, fans quickly bought out the initial inventory, prompting widespread media attention. The rollout’s success reflects strong consumer curiosity—but also drew skepticism over whether the sell-out was engineered to create buzz.

Watch a behind-the-scenes look at Meghan’s product line.

Harry’s Legal Woes Complicate the Narrative

Just as As Ever gained traction, headlines turned to Prince Harry, who is reportedly facing serious allegations involving harassment connected to his nonprofit work. While details remain sparse, the timing is unfortunate, diverting attention from the brand’s debut and casting a shadow over the couple’s public image.

Critics have noted the irony: while Meghan’s new venture leans into themes of mindfulness and healing, Harry’s situation suggests discord behind the scenes. As reported by People, Meghan has also drawn criticism for including luxury Le Creuset cookware in her Netflix show—raising questions about accessibility and authenticity. “This is a thing, in 2025?” she reportedly said in response to the backlash.

Controversy Surrounds Marketing and Fulfillment

Adding to the drama, As Ever outsourced its e-commerce operations to Snow Commerce, a firm with a one-star Better Business Bureau rating. Customers complained of incomplete orders and poor communication. “Do not buy anything from any company that uses this joke of a company,” one angry reviewer wrote.

Marketing strategies have also come under fire. Some observers suggested the “limited inventory” tactic was a deliberate ploy to harvest customer data or create an illusion of high demand. One source told the Daily Mail, “It’s obviously a marketing ploy that people do all the time.” These claims raise questions about whether As Ever’s early momentum is sustainable—or merely strategic.

Meghan’s Brand Faces a Credibility Test

While Meghan’s supporters celebrate her pivot into entrepreneurship, others have questioned whether the former duchess is truly offering substance or just savvy packaging. Her brand leans heavily on personal storytelling, from “keepsake packaging” to curated aesthetics that reflect a high-end, aspirational lifestyle. Yet observers like The New York Post argue the entire venture feels overly commercial and performative.

As Ever’s future could depend on how it handles its early controversies and whether it can deliver consistently on product quality and customer service. With Prince Harry’s legal situation continuing to unfold, Meghan’s ability to shield her brand from the surrounding noise may prove to be its biggest test yet.

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