✨ Meghan Markle Once Called $100 Candles “So Obnoxious”… But a Decade Later, She’s Selling Her Own Luxury Scents! 😲
Meghan Markle has found herself at the center of a fresh wave of online scrutiny following the resurfacing of a decade-old comment about luxury home goods. In 2016, during a conference for female entrepreneurs, the then-aspiring lifestyle influencer spoke passionately about keeping her platform, The Tig, accessible and relatable. She emphasized creating an “aspirational girl next door” vibe—products people could actually attain rather than admire from afar. At the time, she specifically rejected the idea of stocking $100 candles, describing them as overly extravagant and out of touch.
Fast forward ten years, and Markle, now 44 and focused on her post-royal life in California, has launched her own lifestyle brand, As Ever (previously known as American Riviera Orchard). The brand offers a range of curated items including jams, teas, wines, and notably, a collection of scented candles that have drawn significant attention. Individual candles retail for around $64, while curated sets push higher—two-candle bundles with matches at $128 and a Signature Scent Collection of four candles plus matches priced at $256.
The candles are presented with personal touches, drawing inspiration from meaningful dates and moments in Markle’s life, such as her wedding anniversary and family milestones. Hand-poured in California with premium scents like Moroccan mint, cardamom, sandalwood, and notes evoking comfort and celebration, they reflect the brand’s ethos of elevating everyday rituals into something special. As Ever positions itself as a thoughtful extension of mindful living, home entertaining, and California-inspired elegance.
Critics have been quick to highlight what they see as a shift in perspective. Social media has lit up with commentary pointing out the apparent contradiction between her earlier stance on affordability and the current premium pricing of her products. Some accuse her of hypocrisy, suggesting that success and a changed lifestyle have altered her views on luxury. Others defend the pricing by noting broader economic changes since 2016, including inflation, and argue that $64 candles fall within the realm of many high-end lifestyle brands. Supporters also emphasize that Markle’s vision has evolved naturally from her blogging days into a full-fledged entrepreneurial endeavor focused on quality and personal storytelling.
This latest controversy fits into a larger pattern for the Duchess of Sussex as she continues to build her business portfolio. As Ever has seen rapid sell-outs with limited drops, signaling strong interest from a dedicated audience despite the debates. The brand’s expansion into home fragrances comes after successful launches of pantry staples and seasonal collections, with products often selling out quickly.
Whether viewed as a savvy business move or a notable flip-flop, the candle collection underscores how public figures’ past statements can resurface in unexpected ways. Markle’s journey from lifestyle blogger to royal, then independent entrepreneur, reflects broader themes of personal growth, adaptation, and the challenges of maintaining a consistent public image over time. As her brand matures, it will likely continue sparking conversations about authenticity, luxury, and what it means to create products that resonate in today’s market. For fans and skeptics alike, the story serves as a reminder that opinions—and business strategies—can evolve dramatically over a decade.
