Meghan Markle forced to apologise over business mishap

The Duchess of Sussex launched her first collection under lifestyle brand, As ever, last week, and already it's shrouded in controversy.

Following an initial release shrouded in controversy, Meghan Markle has been forced to speak out about a dilemma involving many who purchased from her new lifestyle brand, As ever.

The brand’s initial launch consisted of nine artisanal products in a limited capacity. But, it seemed they underestimated just how limited it would be.

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Image: Instagram / @meghan, Twitter / @WalkerStalker18.

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More limited than we thought?

Last week, Meghan Markle’s new brand As ever launched its first ever collection - a limited, seasonal drop including products like honey, teas and jams.

The collection sold out completely within an hour of going live. However, it seems not everyone is going to be getting what they ordered.

A number of shoppers who purchased the Limited-Edition Wildflower Honey with Honeycomb specifically received a message saying that unfortunately they’ll be missing out this time - despite the transactions initially going through successfully.

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“I was so sorry to hear what happened”

The message, signed by Meghan, addressed the glitch directly, apologising to impacted shoppers.

"Dear friend," the message started.

"My goodness, what a whirlwind this week has been! Thank you for the support. It really means so much to me.

"I was so sorry to hear about what happened with your order, and that due to overselling we were not able to get you the Limited-Edition Honey. Please know that the team worked very hard in every department, and felt just as sad when we learned what had happened.

"I know it's not the same as the limited-edition item you had your heart set on (I would feel the same!) so I would also like to promise you something else:

"When our next limited-edition item drop happens, you won't just be the first to know...you'll be the first to receive it. No need to order, it will come to you in the mail as a gift from me.

"Thank you again for your understanding and support, and for continuing to celebrate with us during this exciting time of launch.

"So much more goodness is coming soon.

"As ever, Meghan."

Sooo, a refund?

Consumers online confirmed that those affected would receive a refund, as well as the option to select a free gift.

"The excitement created a volume of traffic on the site that even we couldn't have anticipated (with everything selling out in an hour),” the company said in an email.

"The orders were happening so quickly that the backend of the site didn't have a chance to keep up. The Limited-Edition Honey that you purchased was, unfortunately, already sold out.

"We are working on replenishing inventory and will gladly send you an item of your choosing to thank you for your understanding."

Meghan also addressed the incident on her Instagram.

“Our shelves may be empty, but my heart is full! We sold out in less than one hour and I can’t thank you enough…for celebrating, purchasing, sharing, and believing,” she wrote.

“It’s just the start @aseverofficial Here we go!”

Originally published as Meghan Markle forced to apologise over business mishap