Meghan Markleis facing fresh criticism after unveiling a newMother's Day candle collection in the United Statesthat appears to reference Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's birthdates, with one product marketed as'Signature Candle No. 506'in a nod to Archie.
The Duchess of Sussex has been steadily expanding her lifestyle brand,As Ever, through limited edition launches tied to personal milestones. Earlier candles referenced the Sussexes' wedding date and Meghan's birthday. The new collection,due to launch on 22 April ahead of US Mother's Day on 10 May, is the first to draw so directly on the children's identities, arriving after months of criticism from commentators who say Meghan is increasingly blending family imagery with commercial branding.
At the centre of the backlash is a pair of candles named after Archie and Lilibet's birthdates. According to details highlighted by the Express, one product on the As Ever website is listed as 'Signature Candle No. 506,' described as 'Prince Archie of Sussex's Birthdate.'
The product copy says it is'a warm, comforting scent inspired by Prince Archie of Sussex's birthdate, bringing a soft, familiar ease into the room,'with notes of ginger, neroli and cashmere.
🍫Meghan is dropping new AsEver products for Mother's Day_April 22❣️ She is honoring her babies by introducing two new candles _Inspired by her kid’s birthdays.🥰🕯No. 506 inspired by Archie🫚🕯No. 604 inspired by Lili 🪷pic.twitter.com/w1EIxk1y7s
A second candle, 'Signature Candle No. 604,' is tied to Princess Lilibet's birthday on 4 June and is billed as 'Princess Lilibet of Sussex's Birthdate.' It is described as 'a light, floral scent inspired by Princess Lilibet of Sussex's birthdate, adding a sense of brightness and openness to the home,' with notes of amber, water lily and santal.
On one level, the concept fits neatly into the celebrity lifestyle market, where personal milestones are often turned into products. What has intensified the reaction is that these dates belong not to Meghan herself, but to two young children who still hold royal titles and remain in the line of succession.
The new candles fit into a broader pattern that royal commentators say has become increasingly visible. Critics have pointed to Meghan posting images of Archie and Lilibet online around the same time as product launches and commercial announcements connected to As Ever.
One recent flashpoint came when Meghan shared a polished family image before unveiling a ShopMy page featuring what she described as 'a hand picked and curated collection of the things I love'.
Royal author Phil Dampier, speaking toThe Sunand cited by the Express, said he believed the timing was deliberate. 'Nothing happens by accident and she would have thought this through and knows putting a photo of her children out at the same time as her clothing line would get maximum publicity,' he said.
Source: International Business Times UK
