Meghan Markle's Holiday Collection Draws Parallels to Buckingham Palace Offerings
The Duchess of Sussex's new 'Hostess Basket' features items and a presentation that bear a resemblance to products recently released by Buckingham Palace.
Meghan Markle's recently launched As Ever holiday collection includes a "Hostess Basket" that shares notable similarities with the holiday hampers released by Buckingham Palace.
The "Hostess Basket" from Markle's brand, As Ever, is described as coming soon in her newsletter. It features a leather tag and contains an assortment of items such as peppermint and lemon-and-ginger teas, fruit spreads, flower sprinkles, and scented candles. The price for this wicker basket has not yet been listed.
Markle is also releasing a $148 chocolate advent calendar in collaboration with Los Angeles chocolatier Compartés, along with a trio of chocolate bars and a double-deck parlor card set as part of her holiday offerings.
In a statement accompanying the collection, the newsletter read, "The holidays have a way of reminding us how much joy can be found in the moments that make up a life. They invite us to gather a little closer, to make things with our hands, to set the table with care, and to give generously to the people we love. This season’s collection was created in that same spirit, with pieces to share, savor, gift, and make part of your own traditions."
Markle also reflected on her entrepreneurial journey on Instagram, recalling how she started her first business at age eight making scrunchies. "As I pinch myself looking at how this brand has grown, and as we introduce our holiday collection, I feel very proud, and grateful," she stated, thanking her team at As Ever.
This release follows Buckingham Palace's own recent launch of its range of wicker royal hampers. These hampers, priced between $60 and $200, contain various items depending on the specific hamper selected. For example, the Buckingham Palace Christmas Hamper, priced at $192.50, includes items like a Christmas gingerbread chocolate bar, ginger mini shortbread, chutney, mince pies, orange-chocolate Christmas biscuits, Christmas pudding, and a Christmas bauble.
The Palace also offers a "Pamper Hamper" for $185.88, which includes bath products and slippers, as well as a chocolate-filled advent calendar for $15.93.
Markle's lifestyle and media ventures have previously faced accusations of similarities to other brands. Her lifestyle brand, originally American Riviera Orchard, was rebranded to As Ever following trademark issues. In February 2026, a New York City clothing brand named As Ever also noted their existence, stating they were not affiliated with Markle's venture. Additionally, her Netflix show "With Love, Meghan" drew comparisons to Pamela Anderson's cooking series "Pamela's Cooking With Love."