Duchess's Lavish Thanksgiving Display Draws Attention
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has found herself at the centre of attention once again after showcasing her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in a new promotional video posted on Instagram this Wednesday. The 44-year-old former actress shared an intimate Thanksgiving setup, but it was her exceptionally expensive outfit choice that truly captured public interest.
The Pricey Ensemble Breakdown
In the carefully curated video, Meghan wore clothing and jewellery with a combined value of approximately $247,145. Her burgundy slip dress from Santa Barbara-based designer Heidi Merrick provided the foundation of the look, retailing at $495 though currently available for $297. However, the true value emerged through her accessory choices.
The Duchess complemented her outfit with several pieces from her regular jewellery collection. Most notably, she wore a bezel-cut Lorraine Schwartz pinky ring valued between $62,000 and $70,000. Around her neck rested her diamond-encrusted Cartier Juste un Clou necklace worth $18,700, accompanied by her $7,950 gold Cartier Love bracelet.
Completing the extravagant display was her diamond engagement ring from Prince Harry, estimated to be worth around $150,000. The total value of her Thanksgiving ensemble comfortably exceeded the $200,000 mark that initially made headlines.
Social Media Reacts to Luxury Display
The video quickly sparked debate across social media platforms, with X (formerly Twitter) users expressing divided opinions about the Duchess's choice of attire for a cooking demonstration. One user questioned the practicality, commenting: "How do you even consider cooking in a satin dress. One splash of that oily looking sauce would ruin it."
Another observer noted: "Nothing screams authenticity quite as remarkably as a woman, basting a chicken, in a satin frock, without an apron..." while a third simply stated: "Typical. More about how she looks than what's on the table."
Brand Building and Family Life
The Thanksgiving promotion arrives as Meghan has increasingly shared insights into her family life and parenting philosophy. In her recent cover feature for Harper's Bazaar's December 2025/January 2026 edition, the mother-of-two discussed balancing her professional ambitions with raising Archie, six, and Lilibet, four.
"My office is right by the kitchen, and I love that I can work from home," Meghan revealed to the publication. "It's a great luxury." She described how her daughter often "comes and sits on my lap when I'm in the middle of the meeting", whether she's discussing financial matters or creative projects for her brand.
The Duchess also expressed her hope that her children witness her bravery in business ventures, stating: "I hope they see the value of being brave. They saw it when the jam was just a pot on the stove, bubbling."
Reflecting on her relationship with Prince Harry, whom she married in 2018, Meghan shared that her husband "loves me so boldly, fully" and brings out a "childlike wonder" and "playfulness" in her that influences even her business approach.
The video presentation showcased an elaborate tablescape featuring candlelight, green plants, and festive cranberry sprigs, with the caption "Our table is set with a seat just for you" inviting followers to share in the carefully crafted domestic scene from the couple's $14 million Montecito mansion.
