Meghan Markle has faced criticism from royal commentator Richard Eden over her successful registration of a trademark for her lifestyle brand, As Ever. 

The brand, previously known as American Riviera Orchard (ARO), had encountered several setbacks last year regarding its trademark.

According to Eden per the Daily Express, Meghan’s application to register As Ever’s name was initially sent back due to a “string of errors,” including a mistake she had made previously – failing to sign the application. 

The commentator expressed his surprise at the mistakes, saying on Palace Confidential: “You just think ‘wow this is starting to get a bit weird’.”

He questioned the competence of Meghan’s team, stating: “Her friends are keen to play it down, but it just seems like, clearly, someone is doing something wrong in terms of the admin, because that’s what it is, filling out the forms correctly. There were various aspects that had to be sent back.”

Eden drew a comparison to the Royal Family’s high standards, saying: “You just think ‘why are these mistakes being made’. I mean, if they were still parts of the Royal Family, blimey, heads would roll.” 

It’s worth noting that the trademark registration process can be complex, and errors are not uncommon. However, as a high-profile figure, Meghan’s business dealings are subject to increased scrutiny.

Duchess’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, aims to promote wellness, sustainability, and community. The brand’s website features a range of products, including candles, skincare, and philanthropic initiatives. 

Despite the initial setbacks, Meghan’s successful registration of the As Ever trademark marks a significant milestone for her business venture.