Page Six reports that Meghan Markle’s new As Ever holiday collection is being directly compared to Buckingham Palace’s 2026 gift baskets, as many items share a similar structure and spirit. At the heart of the story is Meghan’s wicker “Hostess Basket,” which includes peppermint tea, lemon ginger tea, fruit preserves, floral sprinkles, and scented candles.

Meghan plans to launch a leather welcome basket bearing the As Ever label, although the price has not yet been announced. Additionally, she will introduce a $148 Advent chocolate calendar, created in collaboration with Los Angeles chocolatier Compartés, along with some chocolate bars and a deck of parlor cards.

What made Meghan’s products even more noteworthy was that they appeared almost immediately after Buckingham Palace announced its own line of festive hampers. Some of the British royal items range in price from $60 to $200, including chocolate Advent calendars and wicker gift baskets.

Meghan’s collection had many elements that immediately brought to mind Buckingham Palace Christmas presents, from the wicker baskets to the festive gift-giving spirit. On social media, Meghan continued to face criticism for these comparisons, with accusations that she was “competing” with King Charles.

Meghan has faced similar controversies during her branding journey, particularly since changing the name from American Riviera Orchard to As Ever in 2025. Some followers have even noted similarities between Meghan’s lifestyle projects and other products or programs on the market.

In her newsletter, Meghan said the collection was inspired by the spirit of the holiday season: gathering together, making things by hand, arranging things nicely, and giving cherished gifts to loved ones. She also shared about her entrepreneurial journey, from making scrunchies as a child to her early jobs selling cakes, making lemonade, and working at a frozen yogurt shop.

Meghan said she felt proud that As Ever continued to grow, especially with this festive collection. However, the timing of the launch so close to the Palace quickly turned this commercial story into a royal comparison.