Meghan Markle Goes Full Throttle On Using Archie & Lilibet To Sell Merch And The Backlash Is Brutal

By Kristin Conard
Meghan Markle smiling while visiting Australia. Pool/Getty Images

In 2025, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex launched her As Ever lifestyle company with teas, honey, and raspberry spread. The As Ever website describes the company as: "more than a brand — it's a love language. ...This curated collection has been crafted to elevate your every day and inspire moments of joy." But not everyone is feeling the love. Meghan's latest product drop for her As Ever brand is planned for April 22, so it can be in people's houses by Mother's Day in the U.S., and it includes two new candles inspired by her children, Archie and Lilibet. Not everyone is impressed with this choice.

Signature Candle No. 506 is "a warm, comforting scent inspired by Prince Archie of Sussex's birthdate, bringing a soft, familiar ease into the room," according to a press release, via People. And Signature Candle No. 604 is "a light, floral scent inspired by Princess Lilibet of Sussex's birthdate, adding a sense of brightness and openness to the home." Both candles cost $64 each. There's also going to be a Mother's Day bundle that includes a box of chocolates by Compartès, a popular, handmade chocolate brand based out of Los Angeles.

Responses to the candles have been mixed online. Some people were happy for Meghan and the continued expansion of her brand. But others were irritated, and it seemed like the use of the children's official prince and princess monikers rubbed some the wrong way. One person on X posted, "And so it begins...merching the children and titles. This is the day she's been waiting for." Another critic wrote, "Hates the Royal family. Doesn't want to do Royal duties. Does want to make money off Royal titles."

Meghan Markle's candles have left critics confused

Meghan Markle during a visit to Australia Pool/Getty Images

Some thought that the launch of the candles inspired by Archie and Lilibet wouldn't end well for Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. "So she is merchandising the kids, they will hate her when they are older for being used!" read one X post. And others thought it didn't make sense given what Meghan and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex have said about the dangers of social media. One person noted, "Campaigning against the 'toxicity' of social media... while rolling out products inspired by your children on the very platforms you warn everyone about. Consistency remains elusive."

During a recent visit to Australia, Meghan talked about how she was once the "most trolled person" online, according to the BBC. She and Harry are fans of Australia's ban on social media for anyone under 16, and while in Australia, they spoke about the mental health damage that can come from the misuse of online platforms.

Meghan and Harry have often kept Archie and Lilibet out of the spotlight, but we've been seeing more of them on social media — though never with their full faces on camera, like the Easter video that Meghan shared of the two kids. This is the first time we've seen them connected with one of the couple's business ventures, beyond some brief appearances in "Harry & Meghan" on Netflix.

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