Meghan Markle has been accused of “monetizing the monarchy” after creating a ShopMy page that allows her to earn commission on affiliate links she posts.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, took to social media Monday to reveal that she will be posting links to her favorite outfits — including those she wore in her Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan.”
“Many of you have asked, so here you go! A little shopping to start the week. More to come. Link in bio ❤️,” the “Suits” alum wrote on her Instagram Story.
Markle describes her just-launched page as “a handpicked and curated collection of the things I love,” and notes that she’s eligible to collect commissions from any purchases made via the platform.
The online closet featured mostly designer pieces, including pricy linen shirts, sweaters, sunglasses, and handbags. Most items boasted neutral shades like beige, brown, white, black, and navy blue.
Eagled-eyed users noticed that Markle labeled the online store under her royal title, “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex” — just weeks after scolding pal Mindy Kaling for calling her Meghan Markle, saying her last name is now “Sussex.”
However, it wasn’t long until the former royal’s money-making venture appeared to rub people the wrong way, as critics rushed to social media to share their thoughts.
“Do people need another celebrity selling them things they don’t need at this moment in our country’s financial status? I wish her well!” one person wrote on X.
“I can’t believe she is allowed to get away with monetizing the monarchy,” another penned, while a third added, “I have enough cream clothing, but thanks! Plus, I like clothes that aren’t wrinkled and that fit properly.”
Another added, “So Meghan is now, just outright merching clothes, using her Royal title…. a final F you to Queen Elizabeth and the Sandringham agreement.”
“Meghan joining ShopMy is shocking. I thought she would at least wait until after As Ever launched before we started seeing affiliate links. My guess is she saw that others were making $ from items on the show and wanted a cut, but she has truly reached full influencer status,” another wrote.
“And here we go-affiliate links. She’s making money off affiliate links,” another added. “That’s literally the most low budget influencer crap, and a Duchess of the British Royal Family is shilling links to make commission.”
Still, not everyone critiqued Markle’s money moves.
“Meghan Sussex is now providing outfit details,” one person wrote. “This is SO smart since now she can use her large social media reach to strike deals with these brands. I make a solid amount from clothing affiliate links so I can only imagine what her almost three million followers will allow her to make.”
Another added, “FINALLY! I’ve been hoping Meghan Sussex would do this,” while a third wrote, “Yeah, take that Meghan getting her monies too! #shopmy.”
The move comes just weeks after Kate Middleton had asked the palace to stop disclosing details of what she’s wearing to royal engagements.
Instead, the Princess of Wales wants the focus to be on “really important issues” such as her charity work and philanthropic efforts.
