Meghan Markle accused of ‘begging for positive online publicity’

The collection includes two candles priced at $63 each, inspired by her children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, with their royal titles referenced in promotional materials.

Signature Candle No. 506 marks Archie’s birthday on May 6, while Signature Candle No. 604 reflects Lilibet’s birthday on June 4.

Ahead of the April 22 release, gift boxes worth approximately $155 were distributed to select US influencers, including Carlywho has over 460,000 Instagram followers, and Kristina Zias, which has almost 350,000 followers.

The move has sparked criticism, with suggestions that Markle is attempting to shape online narratives through carefully targeted promotion.

A source familiar with the backlash said: “There is a growing perception that this is an absolutely desperate ploy to generate favorable messaging by putting products directly into the hands of influencers who can amplify positive messages – it comes across as her plea for positive messaging as part of a calculated attempt to reset the narrative around her brand.”