Meghan Markle Mocked as She Flaunts Her Sold-Out “As Ever” Spread in ‘Embarrassing’ Fourth of July Promo Video
Meghan Markle’s latest effort to showcase her new brand, American Riviera Orchard, alongside her As Ever lifestyle spread, was supposed to be a triumph of effortless California cool. Instead, it’s become the internet’s favorite new target for mockery—after a Fourth of July promotional video left many calling it “awkward,” “cringeworthy,” and downright “embarrassing.”
In the slickly produced clip, shared on social media just ahead of America’s Independence Day celebrations, Meghan can be seen laughing in slow motion, tossing her hair, arranging baskets of fruit, and gazing into the distance with carefully choreographed thoughtfulness. At the center of it all? Her sold-out As Ever fashion and lifestyle collaboration—beautiful linens, relaxed blazers, and rustic-chic table settings that have become her latest luxury triumph.
But critics were quick to pounce on the video’s overly stylized feel. “It’s like she’s trying to look deep and relatable at the same time, and it comes off as painfully staged,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another quipped, “Happy Fourth from Meghan Markle and her personal film crew. Did America ask for this? Nope.”
Some were even harsher, calling it “tone-deaf” and accusing Meghan of using a national holiday to push her brand narrative. “The Fourth of July is about community, family, fireworks, and barbecues—not whispering over $300 tablecloths in a lavender field,” sniped a viral TikTok commentator, who racked up millions of views dissecting the promo frame by frame.
Even royal watchers across the pond couldn’t resist chiming in. British tabloids had a field day with the footage, mocking the “Hollywood fantasy world” and comparing it unfavorably to the more understated approach taken by Catherine, Princess of Wales, in her charitable initiatives. One columnist wrote: “While Kate quietly visits a hospice or a children’s hospital, Meghan gives us a perfume ad.”
Still, Meghan’s loyal fans defended her fiercely. Many pointed out that the products featured in the As Ever spread sold out in minutes, proving there’s a massive market for her brand of sun-soaked luxury. Supporters also argued that Meghan was simply enjoying her American life, independent of the stiff royal expectations she once faced.
“Let her live her best life!” one Instagram user posted. “She’s thriving, she’s stylish, and she’s building her own empire. Haters can stay mad.”
Meanwhile, PR experts say the controversy may actually be helping. “Any publicity is good publicity, especially in lifestyle branding,” noted marketing consultant Fiona Howard. “People are talking about Meghan’s name, they’re looking up her products. The backlash might sting a little, but financially, it could be a huge win.”
Still, the episode underscores Meghan’s ongoing challenge in the public eye: no matter how glossy the content or how genuine her intent, she remains one of the world’s most polarizing figures.
As the Fourth of July fireworks fade, one thing is certain — Meghan Markle knows how to keep herself, her brand, and every camera’s lens focused squarely on her. And whether people are swooning or rolling their eyes, that’s a skill that guarantees she’ll stay firmly in the spotlight.