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Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has come under fire for allegedly exploiting her children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, in a recent promotional campaign for her new clothing brand, As Ever. Critics have labeled her actions as "tacky" and "desperate," suggesting that she is leveraging her children's images for financial gain.
On March 24, 2025, Meghan shared a rare photograph featuring herself with Archie and Lilibet on the Instagram of her As Ever brand. The post, accompanied by a dove emoji and the caption "Every day is a love story," was followed shortly by the launch of her "ShopMy" page, showcasing a curated collection of clothing items. Notably, the collection includes high-priced items such as the Windsor gown, retailing at $1,383.
Royal Experts Criticize Promotional Strategy
Royal commentator Phil Dampier criticized the timing of the photo release, stating, "Nothing happens by accident, and she would have thought this through and knows putting a photo of her children out at the same time as her clothing line would get maximum publicity." He further questioned whether Meghan is exploiting her children, who remain in the line of succession, and anticipated that the Palace might view this unfavorably.
Similarly, Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to the late Queen, described the move as "tacky" and a blend of "a lack of imagination and desperation." He emphasized that Meghan and Prince Harry had left the UK seeking privacy, yet their recent actions suggest otherwise.
The As Ever brand's "ShopMy" page features various clothing and accessory items, each linked for purchase. A disclaimer notes that some products may contain commissionable links, indicating potential earnings for Meghan from sales generated through these links.
This development has sparked a broader debate about the ethics of public figures involving their children in commercial endeavors and the fine line between personal branding and perceived exploitation.