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 found herself at the center of a holiday controversy. A popular podcaster recently unboxed one of Markle’s As Ever holiday products, only to discover that the $64 Signature Candle No. 084 was missing a crucial component: the wick. This discovery has led to widespread ridicule and questions about the quality and authenticity of the product.

Link Lauren, the host of the podcast *Spot On With Link Lauren*, shared his unboxing experience with his audience. Known for his candid commentary on the royal family and his critical stance towards Markle, Lauren was initially curious to explore the actress’s holiday collection. However, his excitement quickly turned to disbelief when he noticed the candle lacked any wick or means to light it.

During the episode aired on November 10, Lauren exclaimed, “You guys, there’s no wick!” as he held the candle up to the camera. He even double-checked with his producer to confirm what he was seeing. “Am I crazy? Where is the thing that I light? This has to be a joke,” he added, emphasizing the absurdity of selling a candle that cannot be lit.

Lauren was quick to assure listeners that this was not a marketing stunt or a manufacturing error that could be overlooked. “There’s literally nothing to light in here,” he said, highlighting the product’s fundamental flaw. He went on to make a biting comparison, saying, “This is like Meghan Markle’s career… failure to launch.”

Despite the candle’s missing wick, Lauren did acknowledge some positive aspects. The scent, which was marketed as a blend of water lotus, sandalwood, and California poppy, was described as “feminine” and comparable to a Yankee Candle available at a local drugstore. He also noted the candle’s weight and quality, stating, “It’s heavy. It doesn’t feel cheap. I’ll give her credit for that.” However, the lack of a wick overshadowed these positives, leading Lauren to conclude, “If I’m paying $64 for a candle, there better be a wick. Okay? There better be something that I can actually light.”

Harsh Criticism for Meghan Markle’s Oprah-Endorsed Three-Fruit Spread

The podcaster’s critique didn’t stop at the candle. Lauren also sampled Markle’s trio of fruit spreads, which include strawberry, raspberry, and orange marmalade varieties. These spreads were notably recommended by Oprah Winfrey in her 2025 Favorite Things holiday list, a prestigious endorsement that usually guarantees high quality and popularity.

However, Lauren was far from impressed. He described the packaging as “cheap,” noting that the spreads were wrapped in crinkly paper that felt more like an afterthought than a premium presentation. “I thought when I got the holiday trio of spreads that they were going to come in a nice little package. They were basically wrapped in this cheap crinkly paper and thrown in a box,” he said, holding up the discarded wrapping as evidence.

When it came to taste, Lauren promised to be objective despite his previous criticisms of Markle. Unfortunately, his reviews were mostly negative. The strawberry spread was likened to Smuckers, a popular but ordinary brand, and described as “nothing groundbreaking.” The orange marmalade was the most scathing critique, with Lauren calling it “diabolical” and “literally the worst thing I’ve ever swallowed.” The raspberry spread didn’t evoke strong feelings either way, leaving Lauren indifferent.

Adding to the disappointment, Lauren also sampled Markle’s dried flower sprinkles, a decorative product priced at $15 for a small container. After tasting them, he remarked, “It tastes like straw,” and compared the experience to “eating printer paper.” This led him to declare the sprinkles another “no” from his perspective.

Why Meghan Markle’s Holiday Collection Is Facing Backlash

Meghan Markle’s holiday collection was launched with much fanfare, especially given her high-profile status and Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of some products. However, the recent podcaster’s review has brought to light several issues that have caused consumers and critics alike to question the value and quality of the items.

The missing wick in the candle is a glaring oversight that undermines the product’s purpose. Candles are traditionally designed to be lit, and selling one without a wick defeats the entire function. This has led to accusations of poor quality control and has been interpreted by some as symbolic of Markle’s broader struggles in her post-royal career.

Similarly, the fruit spreads, despite their premium price and celebrity endorsement, failed to impress a discerning palate. The packaging and taste were criticized for lacking the refinement and uniqueness expected from a luxury holiday product. The dried flower sprinkles, which Markle frequently used in her Netflix lifestyle series *With Love, Meghan*, were also mocked for their unappealing flavor and texture.

These critiques highlight the challenges Markle faces in establishing a successful lifestyle brand. While celebrity endorsements and media attention can generate initial interest, product quality and customer satisfaction ultimately determine long-term success.

Conclusion: What Meghan Markle Can Learn from This Holiday Product Backlash

Meghan Markle’s holiday candle and fruit spreads have sparked a wave of criticism, particularly after the podcaster’s candid review exposed significant flaws. From a missing wick in a $64 candle to disappointing flavors in Oprah-endorsed fruit spreads, the backlash underscores the importance of quality and authenticity in celebrity product lines.

For consumers, this serves as a reminder to look beyond celebrity endorsements and carefully evaluate the products they purchase. For Markle and her brand, it’s an opportunity to listen to feedback and improve future offerings to meet customer expectations.

If you’re curious about Meghan Markle’s holiday collection or want to share your own experience, don’t hesitate to join the conversation. Your opinion matters—let us know what you think about these products and whether you believe they live up to the hype!