Meghan Markle has announced her new lifestyle brand, 'As Ever', in an Instagram video, but the launch has been met with criticism. The Duchess of Sussex faced claims that the logo, featuring a palm tree and two hummingbirds, copies the coat of arms of a town in Mallorca. Additionally, the brand name is already used by a New York-based clothing company.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond defended Meghan, saying the negativity is unfair. She told the Mirror that the video was a statement of fact, not a dig at the Royal Family. 'Lots of new ventures hit teething problems and Meghan’s was no exception,' Bond said. 'She obviously should have been advised to research the copyright of her chosen brand name, but we all make mistakes.'
Bond noted that Meghan previously ran a successful lifestyle blog, The Tig, before marrying Prince Harry. She believes Meghan is well-positioned to succeed with 'As Ever'. 'These days she is a great deal more famous than before she met Harry, and is likely to attract far more business to her site,' Bond added.
When asked if Meghan could have launched the brand while a working royal, Bond compared it to King Charles's Highgrove shop, but noted that Highgrove profits go to charity. 'If Meghan had been willing to donate all proceeds from her website to charity, then it might have been possible. But I think it’s unlikely that she would have wanted that,' Bond said.
