A royal insider said William and Kate’s associates have been mocking the brand relentlessly.
One source said: “Within William and Kate’s circle, people joked by calling it ‘As If,’ meaning they doubt it will ever succeed. It became a running joke that had everyone laughing.”
Another insider added: “People were swapping plenty of messages about it. The whole venture feels poorly put together and lacking polish – honestly, it’s a bit embarrassing.”
The remarks highlight the strain that continues to define relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. It’s a divide which has only grown since Harry and Meghan stepped back from official duties in 2020.
Their subsequent interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 – in which Meghan described life within the institution as stifling and isolating – was followed by Queen Elizabeth II‘s now-famous statement that “recollections may vary.”
When Harry released his memoir Spare in January 2023, Buckingham Palace declined to comment on his claims.
Palace aides said at the time silence was the most effective strategy in the face of such a direct attack.
Though King Charles, 76, has sought some form of reconciliation with Harry through private talks, William’s team were notably absent from those discussions, underlining the distance between the two brothers.
Observers say Kate has often been caught in the middle of the feud.
Despite the jokes from William’s camp, As Ever has sold strongly with Markle’s loyal following.
Early batches of her products – including jams, edible flower sprinkles and shortbread cookie mix – sold out within hours, according to the duchess.
Her inaugural vintage rosé in 2023 disappeared from virtual shelves in less than an hour, though her newest 2024 vintage remains available.
Markle recently celebrated the release with a video posted to Instagram of her uncorking a bottle labeled “Bottle #1.”
She wrote: “Here we go! First bottle off the line! Toasting to a beautiful day: Our Napa rosé is live @aseverofficial.”
Priced at $30 per bottle, the rosé is offered in cases of three, six or twelve, with As Ever saying demand remains high.
“We made so much more this round, and yet it’s still going fast,” the brand said in a promotional video on social media.
