Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are facing renewed scrutiny after the Duchess was seen using her royal cipher in promotional material for her lifestyle brand As Ever. Critics argue that this choice contradicts the couple’s long-standing complaints about their treatment within the monarchy. It has also revived an earlier dispute that reportedly left the late Queen offended.

In recent promotional photos for As Ever’s Christmas collection, Meghan appears in her workspace with a notebook featuring her royal monogram in gold. The design shows the letter M topped by a coronet, a symbol created before her wedding in 2018. The company has also introduced a candle named No 519, which references the date of the Sussexes’ wedding. The product description says the candle is inspired by the ease and joy of a day filled with Meghan’s most cherished memories.

The use of such royal symbolism has angered supporters of the monarchy. Many are questioning why Meghan continues to present herself with royal emblems despite her public criticism of the institution. Royal biographer Tom Bower claims that both senior members of the family and officials inside Buckingham Palace have long worried about the possibility of the Sussexes monetizing their royal status.

Tension around that issue emerged years ago when Harry and Meghan were told they would not be able to advance their SussexRoyal branding after stepping back from duties. In early 2020, as the couple prepared to leave their roles as full-time working royals, they posted a statement on their official website expressing their dissatisfaction with the restrictions placed on them. The Sussexes insisted that the monarch had no legal authority to prevent them from using the word royal overseas.