Charity Advent Calendar Sales Surge After Meghan Markle Fans Lash Out

Sales for a £6 Advent calendar offered by the charity The Leprosy Mission have surged following a backlash from supporters of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. The increase in orders comes after a British priest suggested the charity calendar as a more affordable and charitable alternative to a £112 ($148) gourmet chocolate Advent calendar promoted by Markle.

Amanda Norman, chief executive of The Leprosy Mission, reported hundreds of orders for the calendar, which she described as 'the real Advent calendar.' Buyers, she noted, are supporting "people affected by leprosy, rather than waste money on expensive celebrity Advent calendars."

Meghan Markle launched her Advent calendar through her As Ever brand, appearing in an online advertisement for the product. The advertisement featured Markle wearing an ensemble reportedly valued at £75,000.

Reverend Daniel French, an Anglican priest and chaplain at a London university, initially drew criticism online when he publicized the £6 Christian Advent calendar. He highlighted that this alternative, made by the Meaningful Chocolate Company, is nearly 20 times cheaper, contains Fairtrade chocolate, and includes a donation to The Leprosy Mission. The calendar also comes with a booklet detailing the meaning of Christmas and celebrating the birth of Christ.

Mr. French's post prompted a strong negative reaction from individuals described as part of 'the Sussex Squad,' a group of Meghan Markle's supporters. Critics reportedly called the priest "satan spawn" and "evil," and accused him of having an "ugly heart for a so-called Christian."

Father Chris Phillips, a colleague of Mr. French, also faced online abuse after expressing his encounter with the 'Sussex Squad' on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. He was subsequently forced to lock his X account and block some users.

Norman stated that The Leprosy Mission was "delighted to see Rev Daniel French champion the Real Advent Calendar and, most importantly, highlight the lives of people affected by leprosy." She added that "Christmas is ultimately about generosity, compassion and remembering those who are often overlooked," and expressed gratitude to Mr. French for raising awareness for those affected by leprosy during a time that can be characterized by a focus on luxury and celebrity.

Mr. French received numerous abusive messages, including threats and defamatory remarks about his character. One user questioned his actions, stating, "Why are you joining in and trolling a woman for selling an advent calendar? You must be a shining example of Christianity to your parishioners." Another message read, "Both the Reverend Daniel French and Father Chris Phillips are sorry excuses for Christianity."

In response to Mr. French's decision to block critics and lock his account, one Meghan fan commented, "These demons in church's clothing can't take half of the hate/bigotry they orchestrate toward Duchess Meghan. Fake Rev. Father Chris Phillips is a pyasb*h. They can dish it but can't take it, what does he do? Blocks and scamper away like the coward he is."

Mr. French did engage with one user who commented, "Undoubtedly Rev you’re not her target audience. Nah I’ll stick with chocolate I’m familiar with. Comparte chocolate is it. Duchess Meghan products never fail me yet." He simply replied, "Enjoy."