Meghan Markle Faces Backlash Over Influencer Gift Push for New Candle Range

MEGHAN Markle is under fire for sending pricey gift boxes to influencers in a bid to boost her latest lifestyle launch.

The Duchess of Sussex unveiled her ‘Mother’s Day Edit’ candles via her As Ever brand just days after returning from a high-profile Australia tour with Prince Harry.

The collection features candles inspired by her children, Archie and Lilibet, with royal titles and birthdates woven into the product details.

Ahead of the April 22 release, Meghan dispatched PR packages worth around $155 to select US influencers boasting hundreds of thousands of followers.

But insiders say the move looks like a calculated attempt to reset the narrative around her brand through carefully curated influencer endorsements.

One source told Radar Online, “There is a growing perception that this is an absolutely desperate ploy to generate favourable coverage by placing products directly into the hands of influencers who can amplify positive messaging – it comes across as her begging for positive coverage as part of a calculated attempt to reset the narrative around her brand.”

Another added, “The scale and timing of the outreach suggests a degree of urgency – it feels as though there is a concerted push to flood social media with supportive content, using gifts and curated experiences to encourage endorsements at a time when scrutiny has been intense.”

Influencers shared snaps of the candles and gourmet chocolates included in the boxes, alongside Meghan’s handwritten note about motherhood and the inspiration behind the scents.

The As Ever brand, which aims to bring “beauty and ease” to everyday life, has expanded into fragrance and lifestyle products, but critics have flagged Meghan’s increasing commercial ventures as a sign of a more monetised public profile.

A source close to the campaign observed, “There is a clear impression that a considerable amount of time and energy is now being devoted to shaping how Meghan is perceived, particularly in the digital space.”

The launch follows Meghan’s recent appearance at a pricey Sydney event tied to her ‘Her Best Life’ retreat, where she spoke about handling public criticism and the challenges of fame.

The influencer push highlights how important online sentiment has become to Meghan’s broader strategy as she navigates her evolving career beyond the royal spotlight.