Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has faced fresh ridicule following the launch of the latest product in her As Ever lifestyle range. Customers can now receive a free box of matchsticks when purchasing one of five new bundles released last week. The offer was mocked on Sky News Australia by host Rita Panahi and royal commentator Kinsey Schofield, who coined the nickname 'Matchstick Meghan'.
Speaking on the programme, Panahi described the matchsticks as a 'must-have' item, part of a curated set that includes candles and teas. Schofield noted that the matches are only available with purchases over $200, calling it 'a metaphor for Meghan Markle's fickle relationships'. She added that social media users joked about the matches being 'an interesting choice for someone frequently accused of burning bridges', referencing Meghan's estrangement from the royal family and her father, Thomas Markle.
The Signature Scent Collection, priced at $256 (£190.40), includes a limited edition As Ever matchbox and four candles. This has drawn criticism due to resurfaced footage from October 2016, in which Meghan, while promoting her former lifestyle blog The Tig, stated: 'There are no $100 candles on my site - that's so obnoxious.' She emphasised an ethos of affordability, saying she wanted items that were 'aspirational girl next door' but attainable.
Critics have pointed out the apparent contradiction, with one commentator noting: 'Ironically, she is now selling candles on her website for more than $100. This is how your own words can come back to bite.' The backlash adds to ongoing scrutiny of Meghan's commercial ventures amid her strained relationships with the royal family.
