Meghan Markle is facing mounting criticism after launching an affiliate shopping platform that enables her to earn commissions from clothing and accessory sales, even as concerns grow over the future of her Netflix series and the rollout of her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
On Monday, the Duchess of Sussex promoted her new ShopMy account via Instagram Stories, telling her 2.6 million followers, "Many of you have asked, so here you go! A little shopping to start the week. More to come. Link in bio." The curated storefront, labeled "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex," features a collection of neutral-toned wardrobe staples including linen shirts, designer sandals, silk gowns, and luxury handbags.
The listings range in price from a $128 Reformation linen button-down shirt to a $1,350 ivory silk dress by Heidi Merrick and a $730 pair of Saint Laurent leather sandals. A disclaimer on the page reads, "Please note, some products may contain commissionable links."
While some fans praised the curated fashion edit, others were quick to deride the move as tone-deaf and "desperate," citing the couple's reported $60 million net worth and Meghan's Montecito lifestyle. One user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote, "Makes no sense for a woman in a $15 million mansion with deals that could have netted her upwards of $150 million needs anyone's cash from affiliate links. It screams of some sort of desperation."
Criticism also centered on the perception that the Duchess was attempting to "monetize the monarchy." One user wrote, "I can't believe she is allowed to get away with monetizing the monarchy." Another added, "That's literally the most low budget influencer crap, and a Duchess of the British Royal Family is shilling links to make commission."
Commenters questioned the affordability and practicality of Markle's selections for her audience. "I am wondering whether her fans can honestly afford her offerings?" one user wrote. "It would be one thing to indulge in the odd pricey flower sprinkles but fashion for hundreds of+ dollars?"
Some suggested the affiliate rollout might reflect concerns over her As Ever brand. "My guess is that she's worried As Ever products aren't gonna launch," one X user speculated.
Others viewed the move as a savvy business decision. "This is SO smart since now she can use her large social media reach to strike deals with these brands," a user wrote. "I make a solid amount from clothing affiliate links so I can only imagine what her almost three million followers will allow her to make."
The online store launch comes amid broader scrutiny of Markle's media strategy. Her eight-episode Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, premiered earlier this month and received mixed reviews from critics. Despite the reception, Netflix renewed the show for a second season on March 7.
Markle shared a promotional post on Instagram shortly after the premiere, writing, "If you're loving Season 1, just wait until you see the fun we cooked up on Season 2! Thanks for joining the party, and an endless thanks to the amazing team and crew who helped bring it all to life!"
The show features Markle hosting celebrity friends including Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer at her Montecito home, engaging in cooking and DIY crafts. However, a royal insider quoted by RadarOnline.com expressed doubts about the show's long-term viability, claiming, "There's a very real chance they might axe the whole deal."
At the same time, Markle previewed a selection of products tied to her upcoming As Ever collection, including herbal teas, pancake mix, raspberry jam in keepsake jars, and limited-edition wildflower honey. Though not yet available for purchase, the items are expected to go on sale in the coming months.
The rollout of affiliate links ahead of As Ever's formal launch drew particular scrutiny from followers who interpreted it as an early attempt to capitalize on product visibility from her Netflix show. "Meghan joining ShopMy is shocking. I thought she would at least wait until after As Ever launched before we started seeing affiliate links," one user noted.
Markle has yet to respond publicly to the criticism.
