Meghan Markle's Advent Calendar Sparks Online Backlash Against British Priests

The Duchess of Sussex's newly launched £112 ($148) gourmet chocolate advent calendar has become the center of an online controversy, with fans of Meghan Markle reportedly directing abuse at British clergymen. The situation escalated after two Anglican priests criticized the festive product and suggested more affordable Christian alternatives.

Rev. Daniel French, an Anglican priest and London university chaplain, initially posted about a £5.99 ($7.80) Christian advent calendar that includes Fairtrade chocolate and donates to The Leprosy Mission. He suggested it as an alternative to Meghan's more expensive offering, noting it also comes with a booklet on the meaning of Christmas. His post was met with a strong backlash from individuals identified as the "Sussex Squad," who allegedly branded him a "demon" and "satan spawn."

Father Chris Phillips, a fellow priest from southwest London, publicly agreed with Rev. French's sentiment. This reportedly led to a further wave of criticism directed at him from Meghan's supporters. According to reports, Father Phillips was subjected to "deranged trolls," including threats and defamatory comments, prompting him to lock his social media account and block critics.

One comment cited in the reports read, "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."

Meghan unveiled her advent calendar, a collaboration between her lifestyle brand As Ever and gourmet chocolate company Compartes, earlier this month. The calendar, described as "limited-edition," features 24 handcrafted chocolates and is inspired by her former Montecito home. The product includes flavors such as strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and orange marmalade, along with a special chocolate finished with what are described as Meghan's own flower sprinkles. The description also highlights countdown numbers hand-painted in Meghan's handwriting with edible gold lustre.

In promotional materials for the calendar, Meghan appeared in an advert wearing an ensemble valued at an estimated £75,000 ($100,000), including a Jennifer Meyer tennis necklace worth approximately £46,000 ($61,250). Her style from the advert, including clothing and jewelry, is available for purchase through her OneOff fashion page, where she reportedly earns a commission as an investor.

This is not the first time Meghan's marketing efforts have drawn scrutiny. Earlier this year, an outfit she wore while visiting survivors of the Bondi Beach terror attack was also promoted via her OneOff page, a strategy that reportedly backfired.