Meghan Markle Unveils Lavish Christmas Collection Amidst Father's Allegations
The Duchess of Sussex showcased high-end jewelry and homewares while issuing a statement addressing accusations against her father.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, recently revealed an opulent Christmas wardrobe and new festive homeware collection from her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The collection launch was accompanied by a personal statement from Markle addressing serious allegations against her father, Thomas Markle Sr.
In promotional materials for the second part of her holiday range, Markle displayed items including a reported £41,000 emerald necklace, an ivory dress valued at approximately £1,800, and a diamond bracelet estimated at £25,000. Other featured products from her brand included a leather notebook, a rattan charger set, and a porcelain teapot.
The Duchess's statement addressed allegations of child sex images against her father, Thomas Markle Sr., stating she was "deeply distressed" and had been aware of claims since 2018. She explained that information regarding these allegations was passed to the Metropolitan Police's royal protection team and that she had received assurances of an investigation. Markle reiterated that her decision to prevent her father from meeting her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was "to protect them."
Prior to Markle's statement, Thomas Markle Sr. vehemently denied the accusations, calling them "sick lies." He spoke to the Daily Mail from a rehabilitation center, expressing shock and hurt over the claims made by his son, Tom Jr., who alleged finding hundreds of child sex images stored on computers and a cellphone belonging to their father.
Festive Collection Details
Markle's festive collection includes various items available through her OneOff fashion page, where she earns a commission on sales. The collection features curated hampers, advent calendars in collaboration with Compartes chocolates, and homeware items. Products highlighted include a leather notebook, rattan charger set, and porcelain teapot.
Among the notable jewelry pieces showcased were a Logan Hollowell emerald necklace, costing approximately $55,650 (£41,590), and a diamond bracelet from the same designer, valued at nearly £25,000, reportedly a tribute to Prince Harry's late mother, Princess Diana. Other accessories included a Cartier watch and a diamond-encrusted Oura Ring fitness tracker.
Previous Collections and Controversy
This is not the first time Markle's commercial ventures have drawn attention. Earlier this year, an outfit she wore while visiting survivors of the Bondi Beach terror attack was also promoted via her OneOff page. Additionally, a British priest who suggested purchasing a less expensive charity advent calendar in contrast to Markle's own faced significant online backlash from supporters of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.