The Duchess of Sussex finds herself at the centre of a fresh controversy after unveiling her American Riviera Orchard brand's Christmas collection through a promotional video featuring distinctly royal imagery.
In the carefully staged footage, Meghan Markle can be seen writing in a leather-bound notebook bearing what appears to be the royal cypher - the symbolic emblem representing the monarchy. The inclusion has prompted accusations that the former working royal is capitalising on her regal connections to promote her commercial ventures.
A Festive Launch Mired in Criticism
The promotional video, designed to showcase the brand's holiday offerings including jams, marmalades, and tableware, presents an intimate glimpse of the Duchess in what appears to be her Montecito home. However, royal commentators and critics have swiftly condemned what they perceive as leveraging royal status for commercial gain.
"This represents yet another example of the Sussexes attempting to have it both ways," noted royal analyst Rebecca Johnson. "They've stepped back from royal duties yet continue to utilise symbols and associations that clearly reference the very institution they've distanced themselves from."
The Royal Cypher Controversy
At the heart of the dispute is the notebook prominently featured throughout the video. The distinctive design bears striking resemblance to stationery traditionally used by senior royals, complete with what critics identify as monarchical symbolism.
While the exact nature of the emblem remains unclear, its similarity to royal insignia has raised eyebrows within royal circles. Palace insiders have historically maintained strict protocols around commercial use of royal symbols, though the Sussexes' current status creates something of a grey area.
Building a Commercial Empire
American Riviera Orchard represents Meghan's latest entrepreneurial venture since relocating to California with Prince Harry. The brand, which launched earlier this year, focuses on luxury lifestyle products with particular emphasis on home entertaining and gourmet foods.
The Christmas collection marks the brand's first major seasonal offering, positioning itself in the competitive premium holiday market. However, the promotional strategy has drawn comparisons to the couple's Netflix deals and other commercial partnerships that have leveraged their royal backgrounds.
A Pattern of Commercial Royalty?
This isn't the first time the Sussexes have faced criticism for blending their royal history with commercial endeavours. Their Netflix documentary series and Harry's memoir "Spare" both incorporated elements of their lives within the royal family, leading to accusations of monetising their royal experiences.
Royal protocol experts suggest that while the couple are no longer working royals, the continued use of imagery and associations closely tied to the monarchy creates ongoing tension with the institution they formally represented.
The controversy emerges as the royal family prepares for their own Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, typically a time of unity and tradition for the House of Windsor. The timing of Meghan's commercial launch has added another layer to the ongoing narrative of separation between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
