The UK Has Found Another Reason to Be Mad at Meghan Markle

Thus far, Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand As Ever has only been shipping its products to customers in America. But over the last week, a few lucky people in the UK got a special delivery of her raspberry preserves thanks to a partnership with Colford, a London-based gifting service.

“A pleasure to assist @Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in spreading jam and joy amongst friends in the UK,” the company wrote on its Instagram account. “Our white glove chauffeur service facilitated a seamless handover at every doorstep.”

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Colford, which helps companies and individuals source and deliver sustainable gifts, was founded in 2023 by Imogen Beresford and Nathan Cole. Beresford is married to TV presenter Alex Beresford, who made headlines in 2021 after he defended Meghan from Piers Morgan’s attack on Good Morning Britain. Last week, Alex Beresford took to Instagram to thank Meghan for sending a jar of the jam to their family home, along with a Jellycat stuffed animal for the couple’s daughter, Camille.

The announcement comes as Meghan’s recent appearance on a friend’s podcast has sparked a mini-controversy in UK tabloids. On Monday, Meghan sat for her first extended podcast interview with her friend and neighbor, Jamie Kern Lima. During the conversation, Lima mentioned that Meghan has a habit of sending thoughtful gifts, citing one delivery in particular.

“One time I had in-laws and all these people visiting, a very full house, and all of a sudden I got word that you had dropped something off,” Lima said. “You dropped off this gift basket with ice cream and homemade strawberry sauce to put on top of the ice cream, just to see if that helps lighten my load. It was as if you’re in my shoes, feeling what I was feeling without me even needing to tell you anything.” The video upload of the podcast featured a photograph of the gift, which included ice cream from Straus Family Creamery along with a card with Meghan’s personal emblem. The note read, “With the Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.”

Because Meghan and Harry agreed not to use the “HRH” title for public purposes when they left their roles in the palace in 2020, some British outlets and commentators accused Meghan of violating the agreement with Queen Elizabeth II by sending the note. Ingrid Seward of Majesty Magazine argued that the late queen “would be highly offended, as she was very sensitive about that,” according to the Daily Mail.

In response, a source close to Meghan and Harry told the BBC that the gift to Lima was private and given more than a year ago, and that the couple does not use the “HRH” title for public or commercial purposes.

In the selection of As Ever products reviewed by Vanity Fair, all refer only to the name “Meghan” and none refer to her as “The Duchess of Sussex.” For years, UK commentators have wondered if Meghan and Harry would be able to sustain public attention without an endorsement from the royals, and the apparent success of As Ever is one indication that they can. It’s unclear if anyone beyond “friends and family” can get their hands on As Ever in the UK, but there is still an obvious demand for coverage of Meghan, even if it is negative.