Meghan Markle is no stranger to controversy, but her latest Instagram post on her As Ever lifestyle brand has ignited a fresh wave of criticism — and some praise — from followers. The Duchess of Sussex showcased her team’s newest creation: cookies decorated with flower garnishes and frosted with her signature shortbread mix, accompanied by fruit spreads. The post, however, was met with a barrage of “childlike” critiques from social media users.

“The As Ever team getting creative in the kitchen with our shortbread cookie mix, flower sprinkles, and delicious fruit spreads. Perfect for tea time…or anytime,” Meghan captioned the post. While intended to highlight creativity and fun, some followers were unimpressed. One X user wrote, “How ridiculous. That looks like 5-year-olds decorating cookies.” Another commented, “Looks like something I would have made in kindergarten.”

Other critiques were equally blunt: “Does she really look at this and think it is creative? It looks like a mess,” and “Looks like the efforts of a kindergarten class, nearly, not quite up to that level yet.”

Supporters Push Back

Despite the backlash, Meghan’s loyal fans rallied to defend the creation. Some praised the thumbprint cookies, while others expressed excitement over receiving their As Ever wine products. One user even called the tray “creative!” The post exemplifies the polarizing nature of Meghan’s public ventures: loved by some, ridiculed by others.

As Ever: Beyond Cookies

The cookie post comes at a pivotal time for Meghan’s brand. Launched in April, As Ever has quickly made waves, selling curated products that sold out in under an hour. The brand recently expanded to include a vintage 2024 Napa Valley rosé, offered in sets of three, six, and twelve bottles, priced from $30 to $300. The light pink wine, with an ABV of 13.5%, features an elegant white and gold-trimmed label — a reflection of Meghan’s commitment to blending style with accessibility.

Meanwhile, Meghan continues to grow her media presence. With Love, Meghan, the Netflix show developed in partnership with her Archewell Productions team, is set to return for a second season on August 26. The series has achieved global success, debuting in the Top 10 TV rankings across 24 countries and garnering 5.3 million views in the first half of 2025, becoming Netflix’s most-watched culinary show since its launch.

Balancing Playfulness and Criticism

Season Two promises a more playful, hands-on approach, featuring celebrity chefs, talented artists, and friends participating in DIY projects and cooking challenges. Meghan emphasized the joy of creation over perfection, encouraging viewers to embrace playfulness and experimentation.

Yet, the recent cookie post highlights a challenge Meghan faces in the social media age: navigating the fine line between being relatable and facing public scrutiny. While some see creativity and charm, others see naivety or immaturity. The polarizing reaction underscores the delicate balance celebrities must strike between personal branding and audience perception.

Looking Ahead

As Meghan Markle continues to expand As Ever and deepen her partnership with Netflix, the duchess appears determined to cultivate a brand that blends creativity, lifestyle, and entertainment. Despite critiques, her loyal supporters continue to celebrate her products and media ventures, proving that Meghan’s influence remains strong — whether her creations are lauded or lambasted.

For now, all eyes are on With Love, Meghan Season Two, poised to showcase whether playfulness and creativity can triumph over critics’ skepticism once again.