EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle's Latest Business Move Branded a 'Disgusting Slap in the Face to Dead Queen'
Meghan Markle has once again found herself in hot water.
April 11 2026, Published 4:00 p.m. ET
Meghan Markle's latest trademark push has been branded a "disgusting slap in the face" for the late Queen Elizabeth, with critics telling RadarOnline.com the ambitious duchess is cashing in on her royal status during what has been branded her and husband Prince Harry's "fake royal tour" of Australia.
Markle, 44, is facing renewed backlash ahead of a planned trip Down Under with Harry, 41, as filings linked to her lifestyle brand raise questions about whether she is monetizing her royal identity in ways critics said would have deeply troubled Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 in 2022.
Couple's Australia Visit Facing Huge Backlash Over Structure And Timing
The couple’s visit to Sydney and Melbourne has drawn labels of a 'fake royal tour.'
The couple's visit – described as a series of philanthropic engagements in Sydney and Melbourne – will be the pair's first return to Australia in more than seven years, and it has already attracted huge backlash over its structure and timing.
The controversy partly centers on trademark applications tied to As Ever, which have been lodged across categories including cosmetics, fragrances, food, and beverages.
The filings coincide with the upcoming trip, which includes a high-end "girls' weekend" event in Sydney, with ticket packages reportedly starting at around $2,000, offering accommodation, wellness sessions, and a photo opportunity with the duchess.
Meanwhile, Harry is scheduled to speak at a mental health-focused summit in Melbourne, with tickets priced at approximately $1,750, supporting the charity Lifeline.
A 'Disgusting Slap In The Face' To Late Queen
Insiders have claimed the late Queen Elizabeth would have been troubled by the branding.
A source told us: "For many critics, this feels like a disgusting slap in the face to the late Queen because it appears to combine commercial ambition with royal branding in a way that crosses a line.
"The trademark filings, coming just as this so-called 'fake royal tour' is announced, give the impression of a coordinated effort to leverage her title for business gain. There is a strong belief that Queen Elizabeth would have been deeply uncomfortable with this, as she was always clear about maintaining a separation between duty and profit."
Royal author Tom Bower has been sharply critical of the Oz trip, suggesting it prioritizes financial and personal brand interests.
He said: "First of all, Meghan is doing it for money, it's rather grubby… she's monetizing her royalty, which I think is pretty shabby because she promised the Queen she wouldn't do that. I think they are going to find it much rougher than they anticipated when they arranged this trip. This trip to Australia is clearly to make money to raise their profile."
'Fake Royal Tour' Claims Intensify Debate
Markle has faced backlash over a trademark push branded a slap in the face.
Another insider said, "The optics are what's driving this backlash. When you have trademark expansions happening at the same time as a highly curated overseas visit, it feeds the narrative that this is less about service and more about strategy.
"That's why people are calling it a 'fake royal' tour – it mimics the structure of official engagements, but with a hugely commercial edge."
The criticism draws on an alleged understanding reached when the Sussexes stepped back from royal duties in 2020 – that they would not exploit their royal titles for commercial purposes.
While supporters argue Markle is building an independent career, detractors say the overlap between branding and royal association remains problematic.
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
The trip marks the couple’s first return to Australia in more than seven years.
Another source said: "What is particularly sensitive is the sense that this would have been seen as a betrayal of the Queen's expectations. The idea of monetizing status while undertaking something that looks like a royal tour is, for critics, exactly what she would have objected to.
"That's why the language has become so strong – phrases like 'The Queen would have been spinning in her grave over this' reflect how emotionally charged this issue has become in some quarters."
