Meghan Markle’s New Lifestyle Brand Faces Backlash Over Alleged Product Rebranding

Meghan Markle continues to draw divided opinions from the public, and her latest business venture has found itself at the center of controversy.

The Duchess of Sussex recently debuted her lifestyle label, As Ever, which, despite being in its early days, is already sparking debate. The newest criticism revolves around a product as simple as a jar of orange blossom honey.

Online investigators have suggested that the honey sold under Markle’s label might actually originate from the Savannah Bee Company. The price comparison has caught attention: Savannah Bee sells a 340g jar for $18, while As Ever offers a smaller 255g version for a steep $28—marketed as a limited-edition item.

Though this kind of white-labeling practice is standard in the luxury lifestyle world—where different companies use the same product sources but repackage them under their own branding—Meghan’s critics have taken this opportunity to raise questions.

Markle has previously described As Ever as a heartfelt project rooted in thoughtful gestures, saying, “As Ever, for me, is an extension of how I love. Through thoughtful gestures and small details, I hope this collection brings you as much joy as it does for those I hold close.”

But questions about originality keep surfacing. Some users claimed the herbal teas sold by As Ever may actually come from The Republic of Tea, a reputable brand also behind Netflix’s Bridgerton and Downton Abbey tea collections.

According to internet sleuths, the same honey may be appearing under different guises across multiple platforms: Savannah Bee Company, Williams Sonoma’s Bridgerton line, and now As Ever. The price tags vary, with Savannah Bee’s at $18, Williams Sonoma’s at $23, and Meghan’s branded version at the highest—$28.

Still, the high price didn’t stop Markle’s fans. The honey reportedly sold out quickly, despite the premium cost. One observer noted that her offerings aren’t necessarily produced by her brand but are sourced in small batches and relabeled. For instance, they speculated that fruit jams featured on the As Ever site may be sourced from Crofters, a known purveyor of organic spreads with global sourcing, like Turkish apricots.

This isn’t the first time As Ever has stirred controversy. Earlier this year, the brand’s logo came under fire for resembling the coat of arms from Porreres, a village in Mallorca, Spain. The town’s mayor, Xisca Mora, called out the similarity, stating, “They are the same, except the birds are a little different, and they use different colors, but they are nearly identical.”

As Meghan Markle navigates the lifestyle business world, it’s clear that every design choice and product listing is likely to be scrutinized—not just by consumers, but by critics eager to dissect her every move.