Meghan’s Brand Sparks Outrage: Is Diana’s Birthday a Marketing Stunt?

Meghan Markle has been warned by a PR expert that her latest move could be seen as “exploitative” by her fans which could end up damaging her brand, As Ever. So far, the Duchess of Sussex has launched several products on As Ever’s website, all of which sold out within less than a day.

The first collection, which was released back in April, sold out in minutes, while her second launch last month was unavailable after a few hours. Meghan also released her first rosé on July 1, which subsequently sold out in less than 50 minutes.

As Ever’s wine sold out in less than an hour (Image: As Ever)

July 1 2025 would have been Princess Diana’s 64th birthday (Image: Getty)

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The late Princess of Wales was born on July 1, 1961. She died in a car crash in Paris in 1997, aged 36. The coincidence did not sit well with various of Meghan’s critics, who blasted her for her release.

“Meghan’s team surely understands how much emotional significance that date holds, especially for British and global audiences who still hold Diana’s legacy close to heart.

“But there’s also a fine line here. It risks coming off as exploitative. Diana isn’t just a marketing tool, and the British press and public are quick to call out anything that seems like ‘using’ her memory for personal gain, especially from Harry and Meghan, who are already under intense scrutiny for their media moves.”

The controversy surrounding Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand and its perceived connection to Princess Diana has sparked broader discussions about the delicate balance public figures must strike when building commercial ventures tied to personal or familial legacies. Critics argue that Meghan’s decision to launch her rosé wine on Diana’s birthday could alienate royal fans who view the timing as a calculated move to capitalize on the late princess’s enduring popularity. This sentiment is amplified by the polarized public perception of Meghan, with some praising her entrepreneurial spirit and others accusing her of exploiting her royal connections for profit.

Supporters of Meghan, however, see the launch as a heartfelt nod to Diana, whose philanthropy and warmth inspired millions. They point out that As Ever’s rapid sell-outs—spanning its initial collection in April, the second release last month, and now the rosé—demonstrate genuine consumer interest, not just hype. Yet, skeptics question whether the brand’s success is organic, citing the intense media scrutiny and polarized reactions as potential drivers of its visibility.

This debate underscores a larger challenge for Meghan: navigating her post-royal identity while building a brand in a highly critical media landscape. PR experts suggest that future launches should avoid dates or themes tied to sensitive royal milestones to prevent further backlash. For now, As Ever’s trajectory remains a polarizing topic, with its success hinging on whether Meghan can shift the narrative from controversy to authenticity, proving her brand stands on its own merit rather than borrowed nostalgia.