Meghan Markleis facing renewed criticism in the UK and abroad after she allegedly sent a gift box to an online supporter known for attacking Prince William andKate Middleton, with royal watchers accusing the Duchess of Sussex of effectively 'rewarding' a high‑profile royal troll.
Meghan has long said she avoids social media and is not directly engaged in the often hostile commentary that surrounds the Royal Family. Her supporters, sometimes described collectively as the Sussex Squad, have nonetheless built large online followings defending Meghan andPrince Harryand attacking perceived critics, including senior royals. That background has sharpened the reaction to this latest gesture, which some see as a test of where the Duchess stands on digital abuse.
The row began when an influencer who goes by 'The Notorious JTB' posted a new video on Tuesday, unveiling what he said was a gift from Meghan Markle. The user, who has described himself as 'John Tyron' and is said to be based in New York, has more than 190,000 followers onInstagramand just over 150,000 on TikTok, according to theExpressreport.
Alongside footage of a branded box of As Ever products, the video carried the caption: 'The Duchess sent me a gift. This was not on my 2026 Bingo card. Wow.' In a longer message, he wrote: 'I received a gift from @meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and I'm still a little stunned. If you've followed me for any length of time, you know how much admiration I have for her. To open a package that came from her was one of those moments I'll never forget.
'Grateful. Humbled. Smiling from ear to ear. Some days are just special. Thank you so much Meghan. [pink heart emoji]'
The parcel, according to his video and theExpressreport, contained a handwritten note from Meghan and several items from herlifestyle brand As Ever, including candles, honey and the latest limited edition matchsticks.
Nothing in the footage independently verifies that Meghan personally selected, packed or posted the items, but the influencer has said he believes the box and note came directly from her. Kensington Palace and representatives for Meghan and Harry have not publicly commented, so any interpretation of motive remains speculative.
The reaction does not stem from the gift alone. The Notorious JTB is well known in royal social media circles for strong attacks on Prince William, Kate Middleton and other members of the Royal Family, which critics argue cross the line from commentary into harassment.
Back in February, after the Prince and Princess of Wales released a statement on the scandal involving Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Jeffrey Epstein, the influencer shared a video denouncing their response. The on‑screen message called them 'Future king & queen. Zero backbone. That "statement" was a royal copy and paste.'
In the accompanying caption, he wrote: 'You waited all this time just to say you're "deeply concerned"? That's the big leadership moment? People are not dumb. We can read. If you're going to speak, actually say something. Accountability is not a scary word. The comments told the truth and honestly they were right.'
Source: International Business Times UK
