Meghan Markle has been accused of cashing in on Earl Spencer’s explosive new memoir after her As Ever brand announced the return of its Italian leather bookmarks — just as the book hits the shelves.
The Duchess of Sussex has not publicly commented on Spencer’s book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which contains controversial claims about the Royal Family and the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death.
But a newsletter sent to As Ever customers announced that its bestselling £13.50 leather bookmark would be returning.
The bookmark is embossed with the phrase “fell asleep here”, with the promotional email telling customers: “Tomorrow, our bestselling Italian leather bookmark is back.”
The timing quickly sparked mockery on social media, with some users joking about the apparent connection between the bookmark and Spencer’s new book.
One X user wrote: “Just surprised the bookmark doesn’t come in a bundle with Charles Spencer’s new book.”
Another posted: “I see Meghan Markle has released a nice new bookmark on the day Earl Spencer’s Diana book is released. Subtle ‘As Ever’.”
A third joked about getting the bookmark ready for the arrival of Swan Song.
Spencer, 62, has made a series of claims in his memoir about the aftermath of Diana’s death, including allegations about conversations with King Charles.
He claims Charles appeared “giddily elated” during one phone call and later told him: “We’ll forget her soon enough.”
Spencer says he was so shocked by the alleged comments that he hung up the phone and later told friends and family about Charles’s behaviour.
He also discusses the controversy surrounding whether Princes William and Harry should walk behind their mother’s coffin during her funeral procession.
Buckingham Palace has denied the allegations.
Meghan has not suggested publicly that the bookmark launch was connected to Spencer’s memoir.