Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is making waves not just with her new As Ever holiday collection, but also with her choice of launch-day soundtrack: Taylor Swift’s “Opalite.” This unexpected pop culture nod has set social media abuzz, as fans dissect the “coded choice” behind the song and explore the deeply personal inspirations behind her lifestyle brand’s latest offerings.
The highly anticipated debut of Meghan Markle’s holiday product drop for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, arrived with a decidedly modern flourish. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, took to Instagram Stories to tease the launch, sharing a video soundtracked by none other than pop superstar Taylor Swift’s new ballad, “Opalite.” This seemingly casual choice has ignited excitement among fans, solidifying Markle’s status as a devoted “Swiftie” and adding a layer of personal narrative to her burgeoning business.
The Significance of \”Opalite\” and Meghan’s Swiftie Status
The song “Opalite”, from Taylor Swift’s latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, holds a particularly poignant meaning. Released on October 3rd, the upbeat track about love after heartbreak is widely interpreted as a tribute to Swift’s fiancé, Travis Kelce, whose birthstone is an opal. For Meghan to choose this specific song to herald her product launch has been seen by many as a “coded choice,” reflecting themes of personal triumph and new beginnings.
This isn’t the first time Meghan has shown her admiration for Swift. She previously attended one of Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour stops in Los Angeles in August 2023. A source confirmed to People that Meghan was seen jumping out of her seat to sing along to “You Belong with Me” during the “Fearless” era segment. Furthermore, Meghan, alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton, liked Swift and Kelce’s Instagram announcement of their engagement over the summer, reinforcing her appreciation for the pop icon.
A Glimpse into the Duchess’s Home Office and Montecito Life
The Instagram Stories video offered a rare and intimate glimpse into Meghan’s personal life. The clip featured her hand moving a mug near a laptop displaying the As Ever website. She then panned the camera to showcase a candle from her new holiday collection, before playfully revealing her two rescue dogs, Momma Mia and Pula, snuggled on dog beds. The video concluded with a shot of the sunny window overlooking a palm tree, a familiar vista from her Montecito home.
Since stepping back from their royal roles in 2020, Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan have made California their home, raising their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, in the serene Montecito area. This personal touch in her product launch aligns with the authentic and homegrown image Meghan aims to cultivate for As Ever.
The As Ever Holiday Collection: Personal Touches and Premium Offerings
The As Ever holiday collection, which officially dropped at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET on October 28, 2025, marks the brand’s first foray into home goods. It features a curated selection of products, many with a personal resonance for the Duchess:
- Signature Fruit Spreads and Honey: Continuing her initial product line, these remain a staple.
- Mulling Spice Kits: Including a Hot Toddy Mulling Spice Kit with cinnamon, citrus peel, and ginger, priced at $16.
- Hand-Poured Candles: The brand’s first venture into home goods, including two significant candles:
- Signature Candle No. 519: Inspired by Meghan’s royal wedding date to Prince Harry on May 19th. Scented with Moroccan mint, cardamom, and tea leaves, its description evokes “the freshness of a day in the English countryside” and the “ease and joy” of her wedding day. This candle retails for $64.
- Signature Candle No. 084: A nod to Meghan’s birthdate (August 4th). This candle, featuring water lotus, sandalwood, and California poppy, is described as “the signature scent that warms Meghan’s family home.” It is also priced at $64.
- 2021 Vintage Napa Valley Brut: A sparkling wine costing $89 per bottle, with an additional flat $20 shipping fee for every 12 bottles or fewer. This cuvée, crafted from Napa Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, is presented in a matte black necker label with a gold logo, ideal for celebrations, as reported by Daily Mail.
- Herbal Teas: Three new blends added to the collection.
Meghan celebrated the launch with an Instagram post stating, “Introducing our 2025 holiday collection. Gifts for giving and gathering, thoughtfully curated to elevate every occasion.” The promotional video for the collection showcased Meghan making desserts with her fruit preserves and glazing a turkey with her honey, further cementing the brand’s connection to an idealized, personal lifestyle.
The Evolution of As Ever and Meghan’s Entrepreneurial Vision
The launch of the holiday collection signifies a significant expansion for As Ever, moving beyond initial food products into home goods. This strategic growth underscores Meghan’s broader entrepreneurial vision for the brand. By weaving in personal elements like her wedding date and birthday into product inspirations, she creates a deeply personal connection with her audience, inviting them into her world and values.
The Duchess’s choice to align her brand launch with a Taylor Swift track not only leverages the immense cultural influence of the pop star but also projects an image of relatability and modern appeal. It’s a savvy move that resonates with a wide audience, proving that even a royal figure can be a passionate fan, connecting with popular culture in unexpected ways.
