A Californian Crisis for the Sussexes
Driving along California's scenic Route 101 from Montecito to Summerland during a beautiful winter day, one might reflect on what has been described as a particularly disastrous week for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Even by their own turbulent standards, recent events have painted a challenging picture for the couple.
The destination was Meghan's As Ever pop-up shop, located within the upscale Godmothers bookstore near the beach. Here, the Duchess is marketing her collection of festive gift boxes containing jam spreads, scented candles, herb teas, and honey duos directly to the affluent residents of what's often called the American Riviera.
The pricing strategy certainly draws attention, with mulling spice kits priced at £12.50 and tins of flower sprinkles costing £11. While the gold velvet ribbons adorning the products receive praise, the overall commercial approach raises eyebrows.
Social Missteps and Brand Building
The couple's recent appearance at a Kardashian-hosted party at Jeff Bezos's Beverly Hills mansion highlighted their ongoing social challenges. Reports suggest they embarrassed themselves by requesting that hosts remove photographs of them from the 007-themed celebration from social media accounts.
This perceived sense of superiority likely didn't sit well with their hosts, despite any polite responses to the contrary. The incident reinforced growing perceptions that the Sussexes are becoming more associated with bargain bin offerings than luxury exclusivity.
Meanwhile, in a trailer for her upcoming Netflix seasonal show, Meghan presents herself as the inventor of Christmas traditions. The footage shows her kissing Harry, brewing her specialty twig tea, engaging in elaborate tablescaping, and creating wreaths from broccoli florets while expressing her love for connecting with loved ones during holidays.
This portrayal appears contradictory given her seven-year estrangement from her father and the limited meaningful contact with her husband's father and brother, not to mention various friends and family members who have been cut from their lives along the way.
The As Ever Brand Experience
Meghan's interview with Harper's Bazaar magazine American edition offered what many considered a carefully controlled platform for self-promotion. Without facing challenging questions, she discussed her ordinary mistakes, Harry's bold and full love for her, and her preference for being announced as 'Meghan, Duchess of Sussex' before entering rooms - even when only one other person is present.
She particularly emphasized the inspirational value of her jam-making for her children, stating she hopes they see the bravery in her entrepreneurial efforts when they witnessed 'the jam was just a pot on the stove, bubbling.'
The pop-up shop itself occupies a prestigious location in Godmothers, a 1920s white barn in Summerland conveniently close to the couple's Riven Rock estate in Montecito. The bookstore represents the vision of literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and cosmetics mogul Victoria Jackson, both connected to Oprah Winfrey and now part of the Sussexes' social circle.
Walsh played a crucial role in publishing Prince Harry's Spare autobiography in 2023, with Harry referring to her as his fairy godmother - hence the store's name. Jackson has joined Meghan's mahjong group, further cementing these business and personal relationships.
The shop environment reflects exclusive luxury, featuring log fires, shearling armchairs, and wide plank oak floors. The clientele matches the surroundings, with women wearing Jenni Kayne chocolate cashmere and carrying £3,000 Dior tote bags, while men in James Perse suede jackets park their luxury vehicles outside.
Visitors to Meghan's pop-up must pass a stairwell shrine honoring inspirational 'godmothers' including Frida Kahlo, Michelle Obama, Gloria Steinem, Joan Didion, and Oprah Winfrey. Rudolph Walsh describes the bookstore as having 'a holy feeling' where people connect with their 'sacred self.'
On the first floor, Meghan has arranged her products on oak tables near the cookbook section with ocean views. Her gift-boxed jams, honeys, teas, and two varieties of scented candles sit under glass cloches like museum pieces. Shop assistants mention that Meghan prefers the mint-scented candle because it reminds her of her wedding day.
The display aims for regal sophistication, with jam jars presented on silver salvers, eucalyptus arrangements in silver vases, and even a dummy bottle of As Ever sparkling wine (actually water) in a silver ice bucket since the store lacks an alcohol license.
A prominent sign reading 'Share the Love' stands beside a giant wine box etched with the words 'Thoughtfully Curated by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.' This branding particularly highlights the ongoing tension between the couple's rejection of royal life and their continued use of royal titles for commercial purposes.
Despite the excitement of customers examining products and discussing whether £48 for two honey jars represents good value, observers noted more browsing than actual purchasing. Even shop assistants seemed uncertain about which products were selling best, tentatively suggesting 'jam?' when asked about top sellers.
Back in Britain, King Charles and Prince William are reportedly considering plans to streamline the monarchy for better relevance in 21st-century society. Many observers are drawing their own conclusions about where initial changes might focus given recent events involving the Sussexes.
