Meghan Markle hit by fresh blow over new brand As Ever as shop owner speaks out
The Duchess of Sussex announced her new brand's name this weekMeghan Markle recently announced the new name of her brand, As Ever, but it’s now getting some negative attention.
In a recent Instagram video, the Duchess of Sussex announced that ‘As Ever’ is the new name for her business American Riviera Orchard – which she unveiled in 2024.
However, now, an owner of a shop with the same brand name has spoken out.
Meghan Markle facing backlash over As Ever brand
Mark Kolski, who owns a New York-based clothing company called As Ever, has spoken to The Sun about Meghan’s business move.
The 58-year-old insisted he isn’t changing the name of his brand and is “exploring all possibilities”.
He added: “I’m a very small business, it’s a family-run operation. I’m essentially a one man band. This new venture has the power and money of Netflix behind it.
This new venture has the power and money of Netflix behind it.
“Even if I wanted to do something I don’t think I have the behemoth of lawyers and money that are behind this.”
Mr Kolski said he doesn’t own the trademark to the name but believes he has common law rights to sell clothing using it.
Royal Insider understands the Duchess of Sussex’s brand, As Ever, is a lifestyle brand and will not be making clothing.
Meghan announces new business name on Instagram
This week, Meghan, 43, excitedly announced the new rebrand in a personal Instagram video.
She told her 1.9 million followers in the clip: “The cat’s out of the bag. I’m shocked we’ve kept this a secret for so long. In two weeks my show [With Love, Meghan] is coming out, which I’m so excited for. And also my business, which I think there has been a lot of curiosity about.
“Last year, I thought American Riveria, that sounds like such a great name. It’s my neighbourhood, it’s a nickname for Santa Barbara. But it limited me to things that were manufactured and grown in this area.”
Meghan added: “Then Netflix came on, not just as my partner in the show, but as my partner in my business, which was huge.
“So I thought about it, and I’ve been waiting for a moment to share a name that I’d secured in 2022. And this is the moment.”
Explaining the meaning behind the new name, Meghan said: “‘As Ever’ essentially means as it’s always been, and if you’ve followed me since 2014 with The Tig, you know I’ve always loved cooking and crafting and gardening – this is what I do.”
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Meghan Markle’s brand logo sparks criticism
Elsewhere, the logo for Meghan’s new brand has also sparked criticism from the mayor of a small Majorcan town. Fans have called out the apparent similarities between the As Ever logo and the Coat of Arms of Porreres in Majorca, Spain.
Both designs feature a palm tree and a bird either side. However, the colours are different as is the type of birds used.
Read more: Meghan Markle releases ‘beautiful’ photo of daughter Lilibet on new As Ever website
Xisca Mora, the mayoress of Porreres, told MailOnline: “We are still a bit shocked, we thought it was fake news at first, we didn’t know what was happening. Then loads of newspapers and media started calling us and we realised it was serious.
What is Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show With Love, Meghan about?
With Love, Meghan will see the Duchess of Sussex invite friends and famous guests to a stunning estate in California.
It's set to premiere on the streaming giant on March 4, 2025.
What is With Love, Meghan on Netflix about?
The series will see Meghan offer tips and tricks on cooking, crafting, hosting and gardening.
In a trailer, Meghan says: "I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it and surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.
"I’m going to share some little tips and tricks and how you can corporate these practices every day."
For each episode, Meghan will invite old and new friends to join her in the kitchen or garden. Some of her guests include Roy Choi, Mindy Kaling and Alice Waters.
Her husband Prince Harry will also appear in the show!
Meghan Markle delayed Netflix series until March 2025
With Love, Meghan was originally meant to premiere on Netflix on January 15. However, due to the LA wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes in January, Meghan decided to delay the launch.
She said in a statement: "I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California."
Guests to feature in With Love, Meghan
Many famous guests will appear in the Netflix series. They include Roy Choi, Mindy Kaling and Alice Waters.
Meanwhile, additional acclaimed chefs and special friends will also appear in Meghan Markle's Netflix show.
“They are the same, except the birds are a little different and they used different colours, but they are nearly identical.”
She then called for Meghan’s team to change the logo.
According to The Sun, the logo for As ever was drawn up after a “comprehensive global searches of registered trademarks”.
What do you think of Meghan’s new brand? Will you be watching her new Netflix show? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial and let us know.
