Meghan Markle Candidly Reveals Prince Harry’s Hidden Talent – Real Talent or Sheer Folly?

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has never shied away from the spotlight, but her latest Instagram reel, posted on July 4, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of criticism that threatens to tarnish her carefully curated lifestyle brand, As Ever. The reel, intended to showcase her $14 raspberry spread as part of a “chic yet effortless” charcuterie board, was meant to embody the Montecito magic she’s been promoting since launching her brand. Instead, it has drawn accusations of plagiarism, with social media users and critics pointing to striking similarities between Meghan’s video and the work of French chef and influencer Eleanor Tulin. From the striped shirt to the plating style and even the cocktail choices, the parallels have fueled a viral backlash, with detractors branding Meghan “Secondhand Rose” and questioning the authenticity of her creative vision. This article delves into the controversy, explores the broader context of Meghan’s brand, and examines whether her lifestyle empire is built on borrowed aesthetics or genuine innovation.

The Charcuterie Reel: A Recipe for Backlash

On July 4, 2025, Meghan Markle took to her As Ever Instagram page to share a reel celebrating the American holiday with what she described as “easy entertaining.” The video, filmed in what appeared to be her Montecito kitchen, showed the Duchess assembling a charcuterie board with an assortment of fruits, star-shaped cheeses, crackers, and her sold-out raspberry spread, elegantly scooped into a ramekin. Dressed in a summery blue-and-white striped button-down, Meghan giggled as she dropped a raspberry onto the board, exuding a polished yet approachable charm. The reel was set to upbeat music, and the caption encouraged followers to recreate the look using As Ever products, emphasizing simplicity and sophistication.

At first glance, the reel seemed like a savvy move to promote her brand while tapping into the patriotic spirit of Independence Day. However, within hours, eagle-eyed followers began pointing out uncanny similarities to content created by Eleanor Tulin, a French chef and Instagram influencer known for her elegant yet accessible approach to culinary arts. Tulin, who has amassed a loyal following for her visually stunning charcuterie boards and lifestyle content, had posted a similar reel earlier in 2025, featuring a nearly identical striped shirt, a comparable plating style with neatly arranged fruits and cheeses, and even a signature cocktail that mirrored one seen in Meghan’s video. Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with side-by-side comparisons, with users accusing Meghan of copying Tulin’s aesthetic down to the smallest details.

One X post, which garnered thousands of likes, stated, “Meghan’s out here serving Eleanor Tulin’s entire vibe and calling it ‘Montecito magic.’ Striped shirt? Check. Fruit-heavy charcuterie? Check. Even the cocktail’s the same. This is beyond inspiration—it’s imitation.” Another user dubbed Meghan “Secondhand Rose,” a moniker that quickly went viral, encapsulating the sentiment that her brand lacks originality. The backlash was swift and unrelenting, with critics arguing that the reel exposed a pattern of borrowing rather than creating.

Who Is Eleanor Tulin?

To understand the controversy, it’s worth examining Eleanor Tulin’s influence in the culinary and lifestyle space. Tulin, a Paris-based chef with a background in fine dining, has carved out a niche on Instagram by blending French sophistication with approachable recipes. Her charcuterie boards, often featuring vibrant fruits, artisanal cheeses, and her own line of preserves, have become a hallmark of her brand. Tulin’s aesthetic—think rustic wooden platters, soft lighting, and effortlessly chic outfits—has inspired countless home cooks and influencers alike. Her striped shirts, a recurring element in her videos, have become something of a signature, symbolizing her blend of classic and contemporary style.

Tulin’s content is not just about food; it’s about a lifestyle that feels aspirational yet attainable. Her reels often include personal anecdotes, tips for entertaining, and a focus on sustainability, resonating with a global audience. By early 2025, Tulin had collaborated with major brands and published a cookbook, cementing her status as a leading voice in the culinary world. Her influence is particularly strong in the United States, where her Instagram account has attracted a significant following among foodies and lifestyle enthusiasts.

Given Tulin’s prominence, it’s unsurprising that Meghan’s followers, many of whom overlap with Tulin’s audience, noticed the similarities. The striped shirt, in particular, became a lightning rod for criticism, as it appeared to be a direct nod to Tulin’s trademark look. Critics also pointed to the composition of the charcuterie board—fruits arranged in a rainbow pattern, star-shaped cheeses, and a small dish of preserve—as a near-replica of Tulin’s style. Even the cocktail, a lavender-infused spritz, bore a striking resemblance to one Tulin had featured in a spring 2025 post. For many, these parallels were too numerous to be coincidental.

Meghan’s Brand: Authenticity Under Scrutiny

The charcuterie reel controversy is not an isolated incident but part of a broader narrative surrounding Meghan’s As Ever brand. Launched in 2024, As Ever aims to capture the “magic of Montecito” through a range of lifestyle products, including jams, teas, honey, and shortbread cookies. Meghan has positioned the brand as a reflection of her personal values—care, connection, and meaningful moments—drawing on her pre-royal experience as a lifestyle blogger with The Tig. The brand’s aesthetic is undeniably polished, with minimalist packaging, soft color palettes, and a focus on California-inspired luxury.

However, since its inception, As Ever has faced accusations of being derivative. Critics have pointed to similarities between its branding and established lifestyle companies like Goop and Barefoot Contessa, arguing that Meghan’s products lack a distinct identity. The July 4 reel only intensified these critiques, with detractors claiming that Meghan’s attempt to emulate Tulin’s aesthetic reveals a lack of originality at the heart of her brand. One commentator on X wrote, “As Ever is just a collage of other people’s ideas—Gwyneth’s wellness vibes, Ina’s cozy elegance, and now Eleanor Tulin’s charcuterie chic. Where’s Meghan in all this?”

The backlash has also reignited debates about Meghan’s authenticity as a public figure. Since stepping down as a senior royal in 2020, Meghan has sought to redefine herself as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and content creator. Her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, which premiered in January 2025, has faced similar criticism, with some calling it “fake” and overly staged. The charcuterie reel, filmed in a pristine kitchen that some speculate isn’t even her own, has only fueled perceptions that Meghan’s lifestyle brand is more about optics than substance.

The Social Media Storm

Social media has played a central role in amplifying the controversy. On X, hashtags like #MeghanCopycat and #SecondhandRose trended for days, with users sharing memes and parody videos mocking the reel. One viral post featured a split-screen of Meghan and Tulin assembling their respective charcuterie boards, set to a sarcastic rendition of “Copycat” by Billie Eilish. Reddit’s r/FoodieSnark subreddit also buzzed with discussion, with users dissecting every element of the reel and speculating about Meghan’s motives. “It’s not just that she copied Tulin,” one Redditor wrote. “It’s that she thought no one would notice. That’s the audacity.”

The backlash wasn’t limited to anonymous users. Several food influencers and chefs weighed in, with some defending Meghan and others joining the criticism. Sophia Roe, a prominent culinary influencer, commented on an Eater Instagram post, urging critics to focus on the food rather than the drama. “Charcuterie isn’t owned by anyone,” she wrote. “Let’s talk about the spread, not the shirt.” Conversely, others argued that the similarities were too blatant to ignore, with one chef tweeting, “Inspiration is one thing, but this is a carbon copy. Give credit where it’s due.”

Meghan’s Response—or Lack Thereof

As of July 11, 2025, Meghan has not publicly addressed the controversy, a decision that has only fueled speculation. Her Instagram account continues to post promotional content, including a recent reel about flower arranging, but the comments section of the charcuterie post has been flooded with criticism. Some fans have come to her defense, arguing that the similarities are coincidental and that charcuterie boards are inherently similar. “It’s fruit and cheese on a board,” one supporter commented. “How original can you get?”

Others, however, see Meghan’s silence as a missed opportunity to acknowledge Tulin’s influence or clarify her creative process. In the influencer world, crediting inspiration is a common practice, and Meghan’s failure to do so has been interpreted by some as arrogance. “If she’d just said, ‘Inspired by the amazing Eleanor Tulin,’ this would’ve blown over,” one X user wrote. “Instead, she’s letting the narrative spiral.”

The Bigger Picture: Influence vs. Imitation

The controversy raises broader questions about the fine line between influence and imitation in the digital age. Social media platforms like Instagram are built on shared aesthetics, with trends and styles often circulating freely among creators. Charcuterie boards, in particular, have become a staple of lifestyle content, with countless influencers showcasing their takes on the trend. In this context, it’s possible that Meghan’s reel was simply a product of the zeitgeist, drawing on popular elements without malicious intent.

However, the specificity of the similarities—down to the striped shirt and cocktail choice—suggests a more deliberate homage. For critics, this underscores a deeper issue with Meghan’s brand: a reliance on existing templates rather than a unique vision. As Ever’s products, from jams to teas, are undeniably high-quality, but they lack the distinctiveness that could set them apart in a crowded market. In contrast, Tulin’s brand is rooted in her personal story and culinary expertise, giving it an authenticity that resonates with her audience.

The Economic Context

The backlash also reflects broader societal tensions, particularly around privilege and affordability. At a time when grocery prices are soaring, Meghan’s reel, with its abundant display of fresh fruits and artisanal products, struck some as tone-deaf. Her $14 raspberry spread, while a luxury item, is relatively affordable compared to other celebrity-branded products, but the overall aesthetic of As Ever—private chicken coops, Montecito kitchens, and edible flowers—feels out of reach for many. The Marie Antoinette comparisons, already a recurring theme in critiques of her Netflix show, resurfaced with a vengeance, with one X user quipping, “While we’re rationing eggs, Meghan’s out here curating $14 jam boards.”

What’s Next for As Ever?

The charcuterie reel controversy is unlikely to derail Meghan’s brand entirely, but it highlights the challenges she faces in establishing herself as a credible lifestyle entrepreneur. To move forward, Meghan may need to address the accusations head-on, whether by acknowledging her influences or doubling down on her unique perspective. Collaborations with established chefs or influencers could also help legitimize her brand, as could a focus on more accessible, relatable content.

For now, the backlash serves as a reminder of the scrutiny Meghan faces in the public eye. Every move, from a Netflix show to an Instagram reel, is dissected and debated, often with an intensity that borders on obsession. Whether this controversy will fade or become a defining moment for As Ever remains to be seen, but it underscores the high stakes of building a brand in the digital age.

Conclusion

Meghan Markle’s 4th of July charcuterie reel was meant to be a celebration of her As Ever brand, but it has instead become a lightning rod for criticism. Accusations of copying Eleanor Tulin have reignited debates about the authenticity of Meghan’s lifestyle empire, with detractors arguing that her brand is built on borrowed aesthetics rather than original ideas. As social media continues to amplify the controversy, Meghan faces a pivotal moment: can she rise above the backlash and carve out a distinct identity for As Ever, or will the “Secondhand Rose” narrative define her legacy? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: in the world of Instagram influencers, authenticity is the ultimate currency, and Meghan’s account is under scrutiny.