Meghan Markle has appeared in promo shots for some of her new items on sale for her As Ever brand – and eagle-eyed observers have noticed an item with a link to the Princess of Wales
Meghan Markle introduces the As Ever festive collection
Meghan Markle has sparked raised eyebrows by using an item linked to the Princess of Wales in her latest As Ever promo. The Duchess of Sussex launched a new Christmas gift set from her lifestyle brand, which features two jars of honey, complete with a black leather bookmark.
The set is only exclusively available at Godmothers, an upmarket Montecito book store owned by Meghan’s pals Victoria Jackson and Jennifer Rudolph Walsh. In a post on Instagram to promote it, the bookmark can be seen in a notebook, while Meghan writes in her signature calligraphy. In another snap, it is seen inside the book, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.
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It features inside the page with the quote: “Always remember you matter, you’re important and you are loved and you bring to this world things no one else can.”
And some observers were quick to point out that the book and its author Charlie Mackesy have also been used in Meghan’s sister-in-law Kate’s work.
Last year, Mr Mackesy was asked by the princess to create bespoke illustrations for the order of service for her Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey, which she hosted following her cancer treatment.
Speaking at the time, the author and illustrator said: “Love, empathy and kindness are important messages for us all. As the theme of The Princess of Wales’ Carol Service this year, it was very special to have been asked to create the illustration for the Order of Service. I hope it reminds us of the beauty of being there for each other at Christmas.”
However, taking to X, one who noticed the detail wrote: “It is no coincidence that Meghan Markle chose to use this image of Charlie Mackesy’s book ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ on her latest Instagram post. This is the same author that Princess Catherine worked with just last year.” While another said: “Of all the books in the entire world, she has to use this book. Truly unbelievable.”
But some defended Meghan’s use of the book in her promo, saying: “Charles Mackesy’s book is a highly successful best seller. 10 million people own a copy of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Meghan owning a copy, has nothing whatsoever to do with Kate.”
Meghan promoting her lifestyle brand comes ahead of a big week for the Duchess as the holiday special of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan hits the streaming platform on Wednesday.
The show, which sees Meghan offer hosting tips while she cooks with celebrity friends, was savaged by critics following its release in March. A second series was released in August and the Christmas special will arrive on the streaming platform on December 3.
This will coincide with the King’s plans to host a state visit by the president of Germany, which most members of the Royal Family will be involved in.
In a promo for the series released last week, Prince Harry made a cameo appearance in the the 65-second clip when he and the duchess share a kiss in a kitchen.
“I love the holiday season,” Meghan says in a voiceover on the trailer, posted to her Instagram. “It’s about finding time to connect with the people we love, embracing traditions, and making new ones.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex secured a lucrative contract with Netflix, thought to be worth more than 100 million dollars (£74 million), in 2020, after quitting as senior working royals.
Harry and Meghan announced they had signed a new “multi-year, first-look deal for film and television projects” with the streaming platform in August.
Meghan described the deal as “an incredible sign of the strength of our partnership”, despite rumours the streaming giant may be pivoting away from her and Harry. At the end of the trailer, viewers are told to “discover more holiday cheer, shop As Ever”.
The new festive range is available on the asever.com website and features a 43g spiced cider mulling spice kit priced at 16 dollars (£12) and a three-pack of spreads in a gift box for 42 dollars (£32).
