Meghan Markle has come under fire since announcing that she is changing the name of her lifestyle brand from ‘American Riviera Orchard’ to ‘As Ever.’
As well as facing backlash for the new name because the name actually belongs to an existing New-York-based small business (more on this later) the Duchess of Sussex is also being criticized for the picture she used on the new website, as some fans thought it looked a little familiar. Keep reading for more details…
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Meghan Markle Tells Fans ‘American Riviera Orchard’ Has Changed To ‘As Ever’
On February 18th, Meghan told fans in an Instagram video that the name ‘American Riviera Orchard’ was somewhat limiting, as she wanted her lifestyle brand to be a combination of absolutely everything she loved, including food, gardening, entertaining, and more.
“Some of you may have heard whispers about what I’ve been creating. In two weeks, my series on @netflix launches — but there’s something else I’ve been working on. I’m thrilled to introduce you to As Ever — a brand that I created and have poured my heart into,” she captioned her Instagram video.
“‘As ever’ means ‘as it’s always been’ or some even say ‘in the same way as always.’ If you’ve followed along since my days of creating The Tig, you’ll know this couldn’t be truer for me. This new chapter is an extension of what has always been my love language, beautifully weaving together everything I cherish — food, gardening, entertaining, thoughtful living, and finding joy in the everyday,” she continued.
Meghan added: “I will keep sharing behind the scenes tidbits with you here as we ramp up to launch, and I can’t wait for you to get your hands on everything we’ve been creating.”
Did Meghan Markle Copy Kate Middleton On Her 'As Ever' Website?
As well as posting a video to tell fans about the name change, the former Suits actress also shared a new picture on the homepage of the new website. As well as featuring the new name, the picture showed Meghan, dressed in a white summer dress, running on the grass with daughter Princess Lilibet.
Royal fans thought it had a striking resemblance to a picture of Kate Middleton at the Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy at Beaufort Park back in June 2018, and they couldn't wait to share their opinions online. Some of the fans even thought that she was trying to copy the late Princess Diana, which she has been accused of doing on several other occasions over the years too. Take a look at the side by side picture below to see what the internet was referring to…
Internet Reactions
"Meghan Markle needs to stop copying Princess Catherine," slammed one royal fan on X. "It's sooooo creepy. She's cosplaying Diana and obsessed with Catherine. It's sick," replied a second, as the first person added: "It's disturbing."
"Yes that's exactly what I thought when I saw this! Carbon copy of Catherine, Meghan does not wear these types of dresses never seen her in a dress like this before," noted a third X user, as a fourth said: "Meghan constantly stalking Catherine."
A fifth exclaimed: "Markle can't help herself! She's obsessed with Princess Catherine!" "M is a pathetic human being. She doesn't have her own identity. She morphs into her chosen idol at the moment," criticized another, while someone else thought: "I honestly believe she has no real characteristics. Her whole life has been a giant game of pretend. She is a chameleon that absorbs the mannerisms of people she envies or people she wants to be 'friends' with. There is no real Megan Markle, she is an image, fake, poser."
Meghan Markle Slammed For Copying 'As Ever' Name From Existing Small Business
Copying the Princess of Wales is only the beginning of the controversy surrounding the mom-of-two's new lifestyle brand name, as she has also come under fire for using a name that already exists. 'As Ever' is a New-York-based business run by couple Mark Kolski and Astrid Dahl, which was forced to defend its name on social media following Meghan's announcement.
The family-run business, which specializes in "restructured vintage, small quantity pieces and unique one of a kinds," took to Instagram to say: "I want to say thank you to all the old friends who know and love our small family brand As Ever, and also say hi to all those that have just become aware we exist."
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The statement added: "In the last 36 hours there has been an outpouring of support and concern regarding recent events around our namesake brand. We are aware. We are not affiliated." The statement concluded: "We are grateful for all the customers coast to coast and worldwide that have supported our venture. We will continue As Ever, Mark Kolski."
"Meghan Markle is disliked because of things like this. Forcing a small business to fight for their name is nasty, evil work. Be careful Meghan, your true colors are showing," one person slammed in the comments.
"Wow! So she is just going to push this small business out of business?" asked a second unimpressed person. "I hope this company sues @Netflix and Meghan Markle personally," added a third, as a fourth speculated: "She is EVIL it was deliberate."
