Full Breakdown
Meghan Markle's Mother's Day Candle Launch Sparks Controversy
4/23/2026, 2:05:31 AM
New Product Line from As Ever
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has launched a new Mother's Day collection through her lifestyle brand, As Ever, featuring two candles inspired by her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The candles, priced at $64 each, are named "Signature Candle No. 506" and "Signature Candle No. 604," referencing Archie's May 6 birthday and Lilibet's June 4 birthday, respectively. The scents are described as warm and comforting for Archie, with notes of ginger, neroli, and cashmere, while Lilibet's candle features a light, floral scent with notes of amber, water lily, and santal.
Criticism and Controversy
The launch has drawn significant backlash, with critics questioning the appropriateness of using her children's royal titles for commercial gain. Some commentators have labeled the move as "merching off her children," suggesting it contradicts Markle's previous stance on maintaining her children's privacy. Critics argue that while Markle has publicly advocated for shielding her children from the spotlight, she simultaneously uses their names and titles to market products, raising concerns about hypocrisy.
A source close to the situation defended Markle, stating that she has been "very tasteful" in her use of her children in marketing and that Prince Harry supports her decisions. However, the timing of the launch, coinciding with the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth, has also been criticized as insensitive.
Support and Defense
Despite the backlash, some supporters view the candles as a sweet tribute to Markle's children. Nick Ede, a brand expert, acknowledged the intention behind the candles as "sweet," although he expressed concerns about the marketing strategy and pricing, suggesting it feels out of touch with the current economic climate.
Markle has previously stated that her brand aims to bring beauty and ease into people's lives, emphasizing the importance of family in her products. She has expressed a desire to create a multigenerational legacy through her brand, which has expanded from jams and baking mixes to include candles and chocolates.
Official Statements & Responses
In a press release, Markle stated, “The goal for As Ever has always been finding ways we can bring beauty and ease to your life—as a host, as a guest, as a friend, as a mom. In whatever way you show up, I want As Ever to make it feel special.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While many critics have voiced their concerns over the commercialization of royal titles, others have defended Markle's right to use her children's names in her business ventures. The debate continues over the appropriateness of this marketing strategy, particularly given the family's previous commitments to privacy.
What's Next
As the Mother's Day collection launches, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to the candles and whether they will resonate with consumers amid the ongoing discussions about privacy and commercialization in the royal family context.
