Meghan Markle slammed for launching As Ever wine on Princess Diana’s birthday: 'Disturbingly insensitive'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Meghan Markle’s new business venture sparked backlash this week after she chose July 1, the birthday of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, as the launch date for her highly anticipated As Ever rose wine. Though fans rushed to buy the product, with all stock selling out quickly, critics slammed the timing as “disturbingly insensitive.”

The Duchess of Sussex did not publicly acknowledge the emotional significance of the day, which also marks the anniversary of the first message Prince Harry sent her. 

Meghan Markle’s wine release draws criticism for timing, comment section shut

As Ever rose wine officially went on sale July 1 and quickly sold out online.

Produced by Fairwinds Estate, a California winery known for crafting celebrity-branded beverages, the launch marks Meghan's second consumer product release this summer, following the debut of her jam and honey line.

However, many royal watchers and experts believe the wine release casts a shadow over Princess Diana’s legacy due to its association with alcohol, which played a role in her tragic death.

The timing of the release sparked immediate backlash, with numerous Diana fans expressing outrage in the Instagram post’s comments, prompting the section to be turned off.

Royal experts call Meghan Markle's move 'tone-deaf' and 'insensitive'

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield condemned the decision, telling the Daily Mail that it was “disturbingly insensitive.”

She noted, “Launching an alcoholic product on Princess Diana’s birthday is not just tone-deaf, it’s disturbingly insensitive. Princess Diana died in a car crash caused by a drunk driver. That fact alone should have ruled out any association between her memory and the marketing of alcohol.”

Schofield went further, calling the choice “almost cruel in its carelessness,” and pointed out that Meghan has previously honored Diana with more thoughtful gestures, such as wearing the late royal’s butterfly-shaped earrings and Cartier watch during public appearances.

Backlash erupts as Meghan Markle accused of exploiting Princess Diana’s legacy

In the Daily Mail’s comment section, users expressed sharp criticism, with many accusing Meghan Markle of deliberately courting controversy.

One reader wrote, “It wasn't merely insensitive, it was deliberate. She rides other people's coattails because she has no substance of her own.”

Another comment read, “Even though Markle claims to admire Diana and sometimes tries to imitate her, this is definitely another Markle up-yours to the RF.”

Others went further, describing her as “a toxic, malignant narcissist,” and questioning the intent behind releasing an alcoholic product on the birthday of a woman who died in a crash involving a drunk driver.

One particularly harsh remark suggested, “She could have called it 'Car Crash Wine for Drunk Drivers' and put a picture of a smashed vehicle and dead body on the bottle.”

A common sentiment echoed across the thread was disbelief at what many viewed as a calculated decision. As one commenter put it: “That’s very cold-hearted.”

The controversy also spilled over to YouTube, where The Sun’s video coverage of the wine release drew intense criticism in the comments.

One viewer wrote, “Releasing a cheap booze product on the birthday of a woman who died at the hands of a drunk driver is just pure sick exploitation, sadism and cruelty.”

The commenter also condemned media platforms, adding, “BigTeddyNetflix should also be called out for their role in this sick clown show.” They went on to share a personal theory: “I believe very strongly now that Harry actually has hatred and rage against his mother and that’s why he allows this gross abuse and violation of her at the hands of his sick abusive wife.”

Another user wrote, “Launching a commercial alcohol label on the birthday of a beloved icon, the mother of her husband, who still mourns her in profound ways, who died in an excruciating car crash caused by a driver intoxicated by alcohol is the cringiest of cringy moves that Duchess Mayhem manages to pull yet. She just doesn’t get why she is detested by all of Britain and most of us here in the US. Actually, she does, but we know her actions are not motivated by love as she so claims but by money and fame, and she will have both no matter what sacred values she has to trade to get her vile claws on them.”

Meghan Markle’s rose sells out despite backlash over Princess Diana’s birthday launch

Despite the backlash, not all experts believe the release will cause lasting damage to Meghan's brand.

Ryan McCormick, co-founder of Goldman McCormick Public Relations, acknowledged the “unfortunate miscalculation” but suggested that the controversy may not hurt sales.

“Meghan had 364 other days to pick for her wine launch, but happened to have chosen Diana's birthday,” he said. “It seems to be an unfortunate miscalculation but, metaphysically interesting, as the Duchess appears to manifest new controversies with such ease.”

McCormick noted that the As Ever products are flying off the shelves, calling it “very positive.” He added that unless Meghan is caught in a major scandal or the product quality drops significantly, the brand is likely to retain its loyal customer base.

Within hours of launch, the Duchess’s wine joined her apricot jam and orange blossom honey in selling out, signaling strong consumer interest. McCormick observed that “future controversies appear to be almost guaranteed,” but said they may not deter her followers unless something more serious unfolds.

With this latest release, Meghan continues to expand her lifestyle brand. However, the decision to debut her wine on such a sensitive date has reignited debate over her public image and her understanding of royal legacy.

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