- Meghan Markle shares how fashion became her voice during royal silence
- Can the British Monarch really strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their titles?
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has expanded her lifestyle brand As Ever beyond American borders, delivering its raspberry preserves to select individuals in the United Kingdom for the first time. This exclusive venture comes through a partnership with Colford, a London-based gifting service specializing in sustainable luxury presents. The announcement was made by Colford on social media, which highlighted its "white glove chauffeur service" used for hand-delivering the jars to recipients' doorsteps.
Founded in 2023 by Imogen Beresford and Nathan Cole, Colford shares a unique connection to Meghan. Beresford is married to TV presenter Alex Beresford, who publicly defended Meghan in 2021 during a widely discussed clash with Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain. Beresford recently expressed gratitude for receiving a jar of As Ever's jam alongside a Jellycat stuffed animal for his young daughter, Camille, calling the gift thoughtful and generous.
This expansion comes at a time of heightened media scrutiny for Meghan. During an interview on her neighbor Jamie Kern Lima's podcast, Meghan's penchant for thoughtful gestures was highlighted when Lima recounted receiving a basket filled with homemade strawberry sauce and ice cream from Meghan. While the gesture was praised, the inclusion of Meghan's personal note using the title "HRH The Duchess of Sussex" sparked backlash among British tabloids, which argued it violated her agreement with Queen Elizabeth II to refrain from using royal titles after stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
Many would have been against that
Commentators, such as Ingrid Seward of Majesty Magazine, claimed the late queen would have been "highly offended" by the perceived breach, though a source close to Meghan clarified to the BBC that the gift was private and sent over a year ago. The couple has maintained that the "HRH" title is not used for public or commercial purposes. Furthermore, As Ever's branding focuses solely on "Meghan," without references to royal titles, reflecting a strategy to position the brand independently.
As Ever has quickly gained momentum, showcasing Meghan's ability to capture public interest despite stepping away from royal life. Although the UK deliveries are currently limited to "friends and family," there is growing curiosity about whether As Ever products will eventually reach wider audiences internationally. Vanity Fair's review of the brand highlights its appeal, noting the elegance and simplicity in its offerings.
While Meghan's critics continue to debate her use of titles, the success of As Ever underscores her resilience and ability to thrive outside the confines of royal endorsements. Whether through thoughtful gifts or brand development, Meghan remains a figure who commands attention, and As Ever's progress suggests that her endeavors may soon find a broader global audience.