Meghan Markle’s rebrand sparks debate over her past advocacy

Meghan Markle’s recent rebranding of her lifestyle venture to “As Ever” has ignited discussions regarding her past advocacy and current business endeavors. Initially launched as “American Riviera Orchard” in March 2024, the brand faced trademark challenges and allegations of logo plagiarism, prompting the rebrand.

Critics have pointed out that “As Ever” seems to focus on luxury lifestyle products, which appears to contrast with Meghan’s previous advocacy for social justice and support for marginalized communities. This perceived shift has led to debates about the authenticity and alignment of her current business pursuits with her past philanthropic efforts.

Additionally, Meghan’s insistence on using the “Sussex” title in her branding has sparked controversy. Lord Ivar Mountbatten, a relative of the royal family, highlighted that “Sussex” is a title, not a family name, suggesting that the correct surname should be “Mountbatten-Windsor.” This debate has further fueled discussions about the appropriateness of leveraging royal titles for commercial purposes.

Despite these controversies, Meghan continues to engage in public advocacy. On International Women’s Day, she shared a personal Instagram post featuring a previously unseen photo of her daughter, Princess Lilibet, and expressed appreciation for strong women.

The mixed reactions to Meghan’s rebranding efforts underscore the complexities public figures face when balancing personal business ventures with past advocacy work. As “As Ever” moves forward, it remains to be seen how Meghan will navigate these challenges and align her brand with her longstanding commitment to social issues.