Meghan Markle has sparked a wave of mixed reactions after sharing a playful Instagram video showing herself laughing with a male friend as she promoted her latest As Ever festive release.
The clip, which Meghan posted to her Instagram Story, was filmed in June while she and Prince Harry were still living in California. Set to Michael Bublé’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” the footage opens with the caption “Christmas planning in June” before showing Meghan and her friend riding in a buggy-style cart and laughing directly toward the camera.
Their dog, Pula, also makes an appearance, carrying a toy inspired by Meghan’s As Ever brand.
The light-hearted post arrived only hours after Meghan revealed a new Christmas-themed product from As Ever: a 24-chocolate advent calendar inspired by the couple’s Montecito home.
The calendar went on sale on October 1.
Meghan posted a video that she took back in June whilst still living in the US (Image: Instagram/meghan)
Royal fans divided over the video
The Instagram clip quickly drew contrasting reactions online.
View this post on Instagram
Some royal fans on X criticized the video, with one describing it as “cringe” and questioning the decision to feature the Montecito home as inspiration for the new advent calendar.
Another commenter simply called the footage “Super fake.”
Meghan Markle is pictured next to her new product (Image: As ever)
The criticism came as Meghan continued promoting the latest addition to her As Ever range, with the festive calendar positioned around the couple’s California lifestyle and home.
However, not everyone was unimpressed.
Other social-media users responded positively to the footage, praising Meghan’s appearance and expressing excitement about the new release.
“She looks so radiant,” one supporter wrote.
Another shared screenshots from the video alongside the words, “Lovely Meghan.”
A further comment asked whether the footage was recent and said the user was happy to see Meghan looking “refreshed, moisturised, and living in JOY.”
The new advent calendar is inspired by their Montecito mansion (Image: Instagram/meghan)
The video was filmed before the couple’s move to the UK
The footage appears to date from June, when Meghan and Harry were still based in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
According to the original report, the couple moved to the UK two months after the video was filmed.
That timing also explains the Christmas-in-June caption accompanying the footage. Rather than being a recent glimpse into Meghan’s daily life, the video was recorded months earlier and later shared alongside the launch of the new festive product.
Meghan can be seen laughing with her friend while apparently holding the camera herself, creating a casual behind-the-scenes moment rather than a formal product advertisement.
Pula also appears in the footage with an As Ever-inspired toy.
New As Ever advent calendar launches
The video was posted shortly before the launch of Meghan’s latest seasonal offering.
The new As Ever advent calendar contains 24 chocolates and takes inspiration from the Montecito property where Meghan and Harry have made their home.
The release gives the lifestyle brand a distinctly festive addition as Meghan continues expanding its range of products.
The timing of the Instagram post also prompted renewed discussion among followers, with some focusing on the promotional aspect of the clip while others simply enjoyed seeing a more relaxed side of Meghan.
Mixed reactions continue online
The contrasting responses highlight the sharply divided reactions Meghan’s social-media posts can generate.
While some users criticized the tone and presentation of the video, others welcomed the glimpse of Meghan laughing and enjoying herself and expressed enthusiasm about her latest product.
For Meghan, the clip ultimately served two purposes: it offered followers a light-hearted look at a moment from earlier in the year while drawing attention to the new As Ever Christmas release.