Meghan Markle recently announced the new name of her brand, As Ever, but it’s now getting some negative attention.
In a recent Instagram video, the Duchess of Sussex announced that ‘As Ever’ is the new name for her business American Riviera Orchard – which she unveiled in 2024.
However, now, an owner of a shop with the same brand name has spoken out.
Meghan Markle facing backlash over As Ever brand
Mark Kolski, who owns a New York-based clothing company called As Ever, has spoken to The Sun about Meghan’s business move.
The 58-year-old insisted he isn’t changing the name of his brand and is “exploring all possibilities”.
He added: “I’m a very small business, it’s a family-run operation. I’m essentially a one man band. This new venture has the power and money of Netflix behind it.
This new venture has the power and money of Netflix behind it.
“Even if I wanted to do something I don’t think I have the behemoth of lawyers and money that are behind this.”
Mr Kolski said he doesn’t own the trademark to the name but believes he has common law rights to sell clothing using it.
Royal Insider understands the Duchess of Sussex’s brand, As Ever, is a lifestyle brand and will not be making clothing.
Meghan announces new business name on Instagram
This week, Meghan, 43, excitedly announced the new rebrand in a personal Instagram video.
She told her 1.9 million followers in the clip: “The cat’s out of the bag. I’m shocked we’ve kept this a secret for so long. In two weeks my show [With Love, Meghan] is coming out, which I’m so excited for. And also my business, which I think there has been a lot of curiosity about.
“Last year, I thought American Riveria, that sounds like such a great name. It’s my neighbourhood, it’s a nickname for Santa Barbara. But it limited me to things that were manufactured and grown in this area.”
Meghan added: “Then Netflix came on, not just as my partner in the show, but as my partner in my business, which was huge.
“So I thought about it, and I’ve been waiting for a moment to share a name that I’d secured in 2022. And this is the moment.”
Explaining the meaning behind the new name, Meghan said: “‘As Ever’ essentially means as it’s always been, and if you’ve followed me since 2014 with The Tig, you know I’ve always loved cooking and crafting and gardening – this is what I do.”
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Meghan Markle’s brand logo sparks criticism
Elsewhere, the logo for Meghan’s new brand has also sparked criticism from the mayor of a small Majorcan town. Fans have called out the apparent similarities between the As Ever logo and the Coat of Arms of Porreres in Majorca, Spain.
Both designs feature a palm tree and a bird either side. However, the colours are different as is the type of birds used.
Read more: Meghan Markle releases ‘beautiful’ photo of daughter Lilibet on new As Ever website
Xisca Mora, the mayoress of Porreres, told MailOnline: “We are still a bit shocked, we thought it was fake news at first, we didn’t know what was happening. Then loads of newspapers and media started calling us and we realised it was serious.
Reality star and ex-boyfriend to Dani Dyer, Jack Fincham has reportedly been jailed. The Love Island star has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for allowing his “dangerously out-of-control” dog, Elvis, to bite a man.
The Love Island winner, who snatched the villa crown alongside Dani in 2018, plead guilty at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates’ Court today after his Cane Corso injured Robert Sudell in Swanley, Kent, in September 2022.
Dani Dyer’s ex Jack Fincham jailed
Fincham faced two counts of being in charge of a dangerous dog with another incident occurring in Essex, in June 2024 – although no injury was reported on that occasion.
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The TV star has also been asked to pay £3680 to the courts, including a £200 compensation fee to Robert Sudell and £50 compensation fee to a second victim, reports MailOnline.
Fincham is also expected to pay £400 per month upon release from jail.
Jack Fincham was supported by his parents, brother and on-off Towie star girlfriend Chloe Brockett. Reports claim Chloe broke down in tears following the verdict.
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Jack Fincham’s downward spiral
Jack Fincham’s TV career fizzled out in recent years after his Love Island win in 2018. His rise to fame came at a cost leaving the star in a reported downward spiral in recent years – including other charges for criminal behaviour.
Jack Fincham recently faced two counts of driving under the influence of drugs, according to reports. He was left with a 36-month driving ban, 60 hours of community service and a stint in rehab.
The star previously bagged a coveted presenting spot on This Morning but was axed after failing to turn up one morning. Speaking on the Under The Surface podcast, Jack said it was his “biggest mistake”.
He said: “I’m still forever sorry about that. I went out and I didn’t wake up and it’s my own fault.”
Jack has since returned to the job he had before entering the villa. He works at AJ Office Supplies in London selling pens.
So, what do you think? Should Jack Fincham have been jailed? Tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
“They are the same, except the birds are a little different and they used different colours, but they are nearly identical.”
She then called for Meghan’s team to change the logo.
According to The Sun, the logo for As ever was drawn up after a “comprehensive global searches of registered trademarks”.
What do you think of Meghan’s new brand? Will you be watching her new Netflix show? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial and let us know.