Meghan Markle forced to apologise and issue refunds following major blunder with latest food range

It's been less than a week since the Duchess of Sussex launched her brand-new lifestyle brand, and already, she has suffered a rather embarrassing technical blunder.

So much so, that Meghan has been forced to issue a formal apology to her new customers, and cough up a fair few refunds.

The luxury food and drinks brand, named 'As Ever', was originally scheduled to go live several months early, but was delayed by bosses.

Finally, however, the 43-year-old's accompanying website came into fruition last week, offering fans a plethora of posh produce - including a limited-edition wildflower honey with honeycomb (worth $28), and a mix of hibiscus, peppermint, and lemon ginger herbal teas ($12 each).

Also on Meghan's lifestyle roster is a batch of crepe mix, and a collection shortbread cookies with flower sprinkles (which would both set buyers back an eyebrow-raising $14).

"What began with a small pot of fresh fruit preserves, bubbling away in my home kitchen, has inspired this curated collection to bring surprise and delight to your every day," the former Suits actress' new site advertised.

In a bittersweet twist of fate for Meghan, however, less than an hour after her online store went live, the entire stock sold out due to overwhelming demand, with the limited-edition honey reportedly being the first to go.

This resulted in a number of shoppers subsequently receiving an email, informing them that the products they believed they'd ordered were already sold out when they were placed - despite their payments being accepted.

The message also informed buyers that they'd be receiving full refunds, alongside an As Ever item of their choice, to make up for the faff.

"The excitement created a volume of traffic on the site that even we couldn’t have anticipated (with everything selling out in an hour)," the explanation continued.

The limited-edition honey was one of the first products to sell out (As Ever)

"The orders were happening so quickly that the backend of the site didn’t have a chance to keep up. The Limited-Edition Honey that you purchased was, unfortunately, already sold out.

"We are working on replenishing inventory and will gladly send you an item of your choosing to thank you for your understanding."

Mother-of-two Meghan also issued a more personalised apology for the mishap.

Taking to Instagram, she wrote: "Dear friend, My goodness, what a whirlwind this week has been! Thank you for the support. It really means so much to me.

"I was so sorry to hear about what happened with your order, and that due to overselling we are not able to get you the Limited-Edition Honey.

"Please know the team worked very hard in every department, and felt just as sad when we learned what had happened."

Meghan continued: "I know it'a not the same as the limited-edition item you had your heart set on (I would feel the same!) so I would also like to promise you something else: When our next limited-edition item drop happens, you won't just be the first to know... you'll be the first to receive it.

The Duchess was forced to issue refunds (Instagram/@meghan)

"No need to order, it will come to you in the mail as a gift from me."

She added: "Thank you again for your understanding and support, and for continuing to celebrate with us during this exciting time of launch.

"So much more goodness is coming soon."