Meghan Markle recently sent a gift package to a social media personality known for attacking the Prince and Princess of Wales. This gesture has led critics to question the Duchess's commitment to fighting online harassment.
The As Ever care package sent to The Notorious JTB
The Duchess of Sussex sent a curated care package featuring candles, honey, and a handwritten note to a social media influencer known as The Notorious JTB. this influencer, who maintains a significant presence on TikTok and Instagram, is recognized for posting content that praises Prince Harry and Meghan Markle while simultaneously disparaging Prince William and Princess Catherine.
The gift consisted of products from the couple's American Riviera Orchard brand. Upon receiving the items, The Notorious JTB shared the gesture with their followers, noting that the delivery was not something they had expected on their "2026 bingo card."
Richard Eden's claim of a 'double standard' in anti-bullying
Richard Eden, the Daily Mail's Diary Editor and co-host of Palace Confidential, has accused Meghan Markle of hypocrisy following the delivery. As reported in the source, Eden argues that rewarding an individual who behaves like an "internet troll" directly contradicts the Duchess's public efforts to campaign against online bullying.
This contradiction is particularly sharp given that Meghan Markle has spent time in Europe advocating for the online safety of children. According to the report, Eden expressed disbelief that the Duchess or her representatives failed to properly vet the recipient, suggesting that associating with those who post "unpleasant comments" about the Prince and Princess of Wales is incompatible with a mission of online kindness.
The tension between American Riviera Orchard and royal diplomacy
The delivery of these luuxry goods reflects a broader shift in how the Sussexes manage their public image as they transition into full-time commercial entrepreneurs. By leveraging American Riviera Orchard as a tool for engagement, the couple is attempting to build a lifestyle brand that exists independently of their royal titles, yet they remain tethered to the royal drama through their choice of associates.
This incident echoes a recurring pattern where the couple's desire for grassroots support from social media "stans" clashes with their desire to be seen as sophisticated global advocates. The risk is that by validating aggressive online behavior through corporate gifting, they undermine their own standing as victims of the same media machinery they now seek to navigate.
Rob Shuter's report on Prince Harry's financial contributions
Beyond the gift controversy, the report highlights claims made by New York journalist Rob Shuter regarding the couple's internal finances. Shuter alleges that Meghan Markle is pressuring Prince Harry to increase his financial contributions to their shared household.
While Richard Eden noted that he could not independently verify these claims, he suggested the dynamic is plausible. Eden posits that the couple has divided their roles, with Meghan Markle focusing on commercial income generation while Prince Harry prioritizes philanthropic work, a split that may be creating financial friction within the marriage.
Whether the American Riviera Orchard staff acted independently
A critical point of uncertainty remains regarding who actually authorized the shipment to The Notorious JTB. It is currently unknown if the care package was a personal decision by Meghan Markle, a move by her communications staff, or an automated promotional shipment orchestrated by the American Riviera Orchard company.
Furthermore, the source primarily presents the perspective of critics like Richard Eden and Rebecca English. there has been no official statement from the Sussexes or their representatives to clarify the intent behind the gift or to address the allegations regarding their household financial arrangements.
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