Meghan Markle sparks debate over price of As Ever Advent Calendar

As Ever, the brand owned by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has released the first look at its limited-edition 2026 Advent calendar, modelled after the home she shares with Harry, Duke of Sussex, in California.

The luxury American brand, launched in April 2025, is famed for its wildflower honey, herbal teas, and homewear items such as candles and leather bookmarks.

The latest As Ever release, which launches ahead of the anticipated festive season, is a 24-door holiday advent calendarcreated in collaboration with Los Angeles chocolatier Compartés.

The 45-year-old’s website states that the exclusive gift, inspired by Meghan Markle’s Montecito home and garden, draws inspiration from California's ‘fresh bounty’ and As Ever’s signature flavours, including strawberry, raspberry, and orange marmalade spreads.

One of the 24 chocolates is finished with Meghan's signature Flower Sprinkles, edible flower petals that the mother of two previously described as ‘confetti for your plating’.

Compartés award-winning rich dark chocolate ganache truffle can also be found behind one of the doors, as per As Ever.

Each delectable, edible treat is finished with its countdown number in Meghan's personal penmanship, hand-painted in an edible metallic overglaze made from real gold particles.

Those who want to get their hands on the As Ever chocolate advent calendar may be disheartened to discover that the treat isn’t cheap.

Fans of the brand can pre-order the holiday gift now to receive in early November for a cool $148.

Critics have been having their say, with one X user commenting: "This is the first Advent calendar I’ve ever seen that seems to have absolutely nothing to do with Christmas. It’s essentially an illustration of the house they no longer live in. Was the artwork finalized before they moved?”

Another typed: “How many adults open an advent calendar box each day? Am I the only one that stopped doing those after childhood?

“I’m not sure young kids would be particularly excited about a high end chocolate each day. This seems more appropriate for adults (accompanied by a sip of wine!)”

A third said: “A little holiday magic is on its way, as in making $148, plus tax and shipping, disappear from the wallets of some very gullible people.”

Others are seemingly obsessed with the festive indulgence, with one X user writing: “It’s stunning!”

“As Ever Advent Calendar secured,” someone else gushed, while a third user remarked: “Beautiful #AsEver advent calendar I would reuse that gorgeous packaging after Christmas.”

Meghan’s $148 calendar is the second As Ever launch to go live since she and Prince Harry, 42, returned to the UK.

Various sources told People Magazine that the move back to Britain had been ‘in the works for about a year’ and that the political climate in the U.S. was a factor in their decision.

On 22 September, As Ever restocked its bestselling navy bookmark, which initially launched in January.

Designed by the former Suits actress herself, the bookmark is made from italian leather, finished with Meghan’s personal penmanship in gold foil.

You can pick up one of the viral items in sets, including the $137 Golden Hour Set, featuring various reserves and lemon ginger and hibiscus teas.