Leading brand experts have savagely criticised Meghan Markle’s brand strategy and accused the Duchess of Sussex of “milking” her fame from marrying Prince Harry. Appearing on The Art of the Brand podcast, Canadian lawyer Phillip Millar and California marketing executive, Camille Moore, have criticised Meghan’s strategy.
Lawyer, Phillip Millar, who is also a business consultant, explained on YouTube: “It [As Ever] is run by a confederacy of dunces working on this platform that is just getting maximising the value from her fame that came from Suits and being a part of the Royal Family and they’re just milking that for everything they can.”
The podcast duo have advised big businesses including, Mercedes-Benz, L’Oreal, Olaplex, Dior, and Van Cleef say Meghan’s business has been a “royal disaster”.
Mr Millar also claims that As Ever lacks authenticity because he claims that Meghan is “pretending” to be a domestic goddess.
He added that the people who have rushed to buy her wine, jam, crepe mix and tea shows “how gullible a lot of consumers are”.
Meghan’s brand was originally known as American Riviera Orchard, after the area in which they live, but Meghan re-branded earlier this year. She has since sold a variety of items including fruit spreads, flower sprinkles and cookie mix.
In a savage takedown, he explained: “She’s not substantial. I’m agitated by her so much because it is a deliberate misrepresentation of what she is because she thinks she can pretend to be that while actually being this and sucker people into buying her stuff and every step of the way she’s failing because it’s not legitimate. It’s not intelligent. It’s not well executed.”
Phillip believes Meghan has failed to see she is a “disruptor”. He said: “Her brand should be I’m a disruptor. I go into TV. I make noise. I go into the Royal Family. I make noise. She should brand herself as a rebel, but she’s not consistent with what she is.”
In an Instagram video shared on February 18, Meghan introduced the world to As Ever, explaining the meaning behind the name. “‘As ever’ means ‘as it’s always been,’” she explained.
The latest product release from Meghan Markle’s brand was a hit and the item was Napa Valley rosé which sold out within an hour on July 1. Before selling out, customers were able to purchase three bottles for £66 [$90], six bottles for £117 [$159], and 12 bottles for £222 [$300].
As Ever launched hand-in-hand with Meghan’s new Netflix series, ‘With Love, Meghan’ and the show invited celebrity chefs and friends of Meghan to explore her favourite pastimes including cooking, gardening, entertaining, and celebrating life’s simple pleasures.
A second series is set to launch in autumn and the announcement came just three days after the show’s premiere in March.