EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle Ridiculed for ‘Selling Holiday Candle With No Wick,’ Podcaster Claims — as He Labels Her Oprah-recommended Three-Fruit Spread ‘The Worst Thing He Has Ever Tasted’

Meghan Markle’s Holiday Candle Sparks Outrage Over Missing Wick

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has recently come under fire after a podcaster publicly criticized her holiday product line, specifically a $64 Signature Candle No. 084 from her As Ever collection. The podcaster, Link Lauren, host of the show *Spot On With Link Lauren*, shared his unboxing experience, revealing a surprising flaw: the candle arrived without a wick, rendering it unusable as a traditional candle.

Lauren, who is known for his commentary on the royal family and has expressed skepticism towards Markle in the past, was initially curious about the holiday collection. However, his excitement quickly turned to disbelief when he inspected the candle. During his November 10 episode, he exclaimed to his audience, “You guys, there’s no wick!” He even double-checked with his producer to confirm that he wasn’t mistaken.

The absence of a wick means the candle cannot be lit, which is a fundamental feature expected in any candle purchase. Lauren remarked, “There’s literally nothing to light in here,” emphasizing that this was not some kind of marketing stunt or design choice. He humorously compared the candle’s failure to Meghan Markle’s “career… failure to launch,” highlighting his disappointment.

Despite the functional flaw, Lauren did acknowledge that the candle had a pleasant, feminine scent combining water lotus, sandalwood, and California poppy. He noted that the candle felt “weighty” and “heavy,” suggesting that the packaging and materials were of decent quality. Still, the lack of a wick was a dealbreaker for him, stating, “If I’m paying $64 for a candle, there better be a wick. Okay? There better be something that I can actually light.”

Criticism Extends to Oprah-Endorsed Three-Fruit Spread

The backlash against Meghan Markle’s holiday collection didn’t stop at the candle. Lauren also sampled the trio of fruit spreads included in the As Ever line, which were notably recommended by Oprah Winfrey on her 2025 Favorite Things holiday list. The spreads include strawberry, raspberry, and orange marmalade flavors.

Lauren was unimpressed by the packaging, describing it as “cheap” and noting that the jars were wrapped in “crinkly paper” that felt like an afterthought rather than a premium presentation. He expected a more elegant packaging experience given the price point and Oprah’s endorsement.

When it came to taste, Lauren approached the spreads with an open mind, promising to separate his personal opinions about Markle from the product quality. Unfortunately for Markle, the spreads did not meet his expectations. The strawberry spread was compared to the well-known Smuckers brand, described as “nothing groundbreaking” and suitable only for a basic toast topping.

The orange marmalade, however, received the harshest critique. Lauren called it “diabolical” and “literally the worst thing I’ve ever swallowed,” a scathing review that is sure to sting. The raspberry spread was met with indifference, neither praised nor harshly criticized.

Lauren also tried the dried flower sprinkles, a $15 garnish intended to “elevate” dishes, a technique Markle frequently showcased on her Netflix lifestyle series *With Love, Meghan*. Unfortunately, he found the sprinkles to taste like “straw” and likened the experience to “eating printer paper,” ultimately rejecting this product as well.

Public Reaction and Implications for Meghan Markle’s Brand

The negative reviews from a prominent podcaster have added fuel to the ongoing debate about Meghan Markle’s ventures outside of her royal duties. While some fans continue to support her lifestyle brand, others are quick to point out what they see as overpriced or underwhelming products.

The candle controversy, in particular, has raised questions about quality control and product design in the As Ever collection. Consumers expect a candle to have a wick, and the absence of one has been interpreted by many as either a major oversight or a marketing gimmick gone wrong.

Similarly, the fruit spreads, despite Oprah’s backing, have not resonated with all audiences. Taste is subjective, but the strong negative reaction to the orange marmalade and the lackluster impressions of the other flavors suggest that the products may not live up to their hype.

Meghan Markle’s brand has always been polarizing, with supporters praising her entrepreneurial spirit and critics questioning the value and authenticity of her offerings. This latest episode adds another chapter to the ongoing scrutiny of her post-royal career.

Conclusion: What This Means for Meghan Markle’s Holiday Collection

In summary, Meghan Markle’s As Ever holiday collection has faced significant criticism, particularly regarding the $64 candle that arrived without a wick and the three-fruit spread that failed to impress a well-known podcaster. While the candle’s scent and packaging received some praise, the fundamental flaw of having no wick overshadowed these positives. Meanwhile, the fruit spreads, despite Oprah’s endorsement, were met with disappointment, especially the orange marmalade.

For consumers considering purchasing from Meghan Markle’s holiday line, these reviews serve as a cautionary tale to manage expectations and carefully evaluate the products before buying. As the Duchess continues to expand her brand, quality and customer satisfaction will be crucial to maintaining credibility and success.

If you’re curious about Meghan Markle’s As Ever collection or want to explore other celebrity-endorsed holiday products, stay tuned for more reviews and updates. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with these items in the comments below!