Meghan Markle is once again at the center of controversy, but this time, it’s not her relationship with the royal family that’s raising eyebrows. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, is being accused of “monetizing the monarchy” after launching a new shopping page, “ShopMy,” where she earns commission on items linked to her personal style, including some of her wardrobe pieces from her Netflix series, *With Love, Meghan*.
Markle revealed the new venture on Instagram this week, sharing with her followers, “Many of you have asked, so here you go! A little shopping to start the week. More to come. Link in bio ❤️.” She described the page as “a handpicked and curated collection of the things I love,” adding that she would earn a commission on any purchases made via the platform.
The collection featured high-end designer pieces, many of which carry eye-popping price tags, including a $1,415 beige Loro Piana cashmere crewneck, a $1,350 Heidi Merrick dress, and a gold Maya Brenner citrine necklace, priced at $500. Most of the items are neutral-colored, high-end fashion, including pricey linen shirts, sweaters, sunglasses, and handbags—luxuries many would argue are out of touch with the average person’s current financial struggles.
What added fuel to the fire was Markle’s branding of the page under her royal title, “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.” This raised eyebrows, especially considering Markle had recently scolded her friend Mindy Kaling for using her last name “Markle,” asserting that she is now known exclusively as “Sussex.” Critics were quick to point out the glaring contradiction of using her royal title to promote a shopping venture that profited off her celebrity status.
The backlash on social media was swift and pointed. One user on X (formerly Twitter) asked, “Do people need another celebrity selling them things they don’t need at this moment in our country’s financial status? I wish her well!” Others were more critical, with one person writing, “I can’t believe she is allowed to get away with monetizing the monarchy.” Another added, “Meghan is now just outright merching clothes, using her royal title… a final F-you to Queen Elizabeth and the Sandringham Agreement.”
Many also noted the timing of the announcement, suggesting Markle’s move was purely a calculated business decision. “I thought she would at least wait until after *As Ever* launched before we started seeing affiliate links,” one commenter wrote. “She has truly reached full influencer status.”
The outcry has drawn comparisons to Markle’s previous actions, such as her decision to step back from royal duties, a move many saw as a rejection of the royal family in favor of financial independence. Now, critics argue that this latest venture seems to take it a step further—blatantly leveraging her royal connections and status to profit from affiliate links and endorsements.
Not everyone is critical of Markle’s latest money-making move, though. Some supporters see it as a savvy business decision. “Meghan Sussex is now providing outfit details,” one user praised. “This is SO smart since now she can use her large social media reach to strike deals with these brands.” Another added, “I’ve been hoping Meghan would do this. She has such a massive following—she’s bound to make a lot of money off affiliate links.”
For some, this move is an inevitable step in Markle’s rise as an influencer. Her nearly three million followers on Instagram provide a platform for brand partnerships, and many think it was only a matter of time before she took advantage of that reach. “Yeah, take that Meghan, get your money too!” one fan cheered on social media.
This new venture from Markle comes at an interesting time. Just weeks ago, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, asked the royal palace to cease disclosing details about her wardrobe during royal engagements. Middleton expressed a desire for the focus to be placed on “really important issues” such as her charity work, as opposed to the often-obsessed-over fashion choices of the royal family.
Markle’s actions have drawn attention to the diverging paths the two women are taking, with Middleton choosing to keep a more low-key approach to her public image and Markle continuing to capitalize on her celebrity status. Whether Markle’s business decisions will further alienate her from the British public or create more opportunities for financial success remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Markle’s controversial decision to monetize her royal title has opened a new chapter in her life that’s sure to keep her at the center of public discourse for years to come.
