Two product launches landed on the same day, and the overlap is hard to miss. King Charles unveiled a new homeware range just as Meghan Markle rolled out the next stage of her festive line. Both collections centre on tableware and entertaining, and the coincidence has put the royal retail world and the Duchess’ growing brand side by side.
King Charles ‘has managed to enter the same lifestyle territory as’ Meghan Markle, per source
On Thursday, October 22, the Highgrove Garden Instagram account announced a new collection with Cornishware Ceramics. The post appeared on the same day Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand released the second instalment of its Holiday Collection. The range covers teapots, mugs, side plates, storage pots and dog bowls. Highgrove says each piece is hand-cast from Cornish clay and “passes through at least 25 pairs of skilled hands.”
Moreover, the pieces carry Cornishware’s trademark stripes in King’s Rose pink and Highgrove sage green. Highgrove says it is the only organisation for which Cornishware has created a two-tone pink-and-green design. The launch follows a jam pot released for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle, 45, has been expanding As Ever’s collection. The brand sells strawberry and raspberry spreads alongside orange marmalade. Her latest holiday drop includes a Trellis porcelain tea set, and an advent calendar arrived earlier this month. Teasing the line in a video, she wrote, “A little more holiday magic is on its way.”
RadarOnline reports that two sources spoke about the overlap in timing. One said, “What’s fascinating is that Charles has managed to enter the same lifestyle territory as Meghan without making a fuss about it.” The second added, “Whether intentional or not, his latest launch has rather stolen some of her thunder.” The outlet also points to differences in approach. King Charles, 77, leans on traditional production and British craftsmanship, while Meghan’s branding is described as California-inspired. Both, however, sell jams and preserves.
The commercial overlap comes as media interest in the Sussexes’ relationship with the wider royal family continues. Meghan Markle, 45, and Prince Harry, 42, are non-working royals and have been in the UK since late August. With the holiday season approaching, sources told the outlet that the couple could return to the United States for the holidays rather than spend Christmas with King Charles and other senior royals.
