The Duchess of Sussex is expanding her lifestyle brand with a new pantry offering, even as she faces scrutiny over recently shared personal photographs taken at Princess Diana’s childhood home.
Meghan Markle announced the launch of a blackberry spread through her As Ever brand on Wednesday, adding to her growing collection of artisanal food products . According to a statement released by the As Ever team alongside a promotional image of the product, the spread is “made with beautifully ripe blackberries for a rich, vibrant flavour that brings a little taste of the season to your table.” The Duchess confirmed the new item is now available for purchase on the brand’s official website, marking another step in the expansion of her entrepreneurial venture, which has grown from its origins as American Riviera Orchard into a curated collection of pantry staples and lifestyle goods .
The product debut arrives as the former Suits actress appears to be ignoring an escalating controversy surrounding a recent social media post. Reports indicate that Markle shared a photograph from her family’s visit to Althorp House, the Northamptonshire estate where her mother-in-law, Princess Diana, spent her formative years and where she is buried on a private island in the lake . The image, part of a summer holiday photo dump, shows Prince Harry and their son, Archie, carrying bouquets of flowers on the grounds—a moment widely interpreted by royal watchers as a trip to pay respects at Diana’s grave.
The decision to share such a deeply personal moment has generated significant uproar, with critics arguing that it was disrespectful to publicize a private visit to the site, which is meant to be a sanctuary for the Spencer family. The controversy is further amplified by the couple’s long-standing public emphasis on the importance of privacy and protecting their children from the media spotlight. This isn’t the first time the Duchess has faced criticism for her choice of attire or settings in photographs, with previous posts drawing accusations of being performative or insensitive due to minor details perceived by online audiences .
Background of this event
The Althorp Estate holds profound significance for the Royal Family and the Spencers, serving as Diana’s final resting place since her tragic death in 1997. Her brother, Charles Spencer, has been a protective custodian of her legacy and has kept the grave site closed to the public to prevent it from becoming a tourist attraction . The Sussex family’s visit was reportedly a private affair during their trip to the UK, where they also reunited with King Charles III at Highgrove—a meeting that itself was shrouded in strict confidentiality protocols regarding photography .
Despite the backlash, the Duchess continues to focus on her professional ventures. The blackberry spread is the latest addition to As Ever, joining a lineup that includes strawberry and raspberry preserves, marmalade, honey, teas, and even a limited-edition bookmark that sold out shortly after its release earlier this year . For now, Meghan appears to be signaling that she is moving forward with her business, choosing not to engage with the online criticism regarding her family’s visit to Althorp.
