Backlash Over Meghan Markle’s Malala Fundraiser as Designer Outfit Cost Exceeds Estimated Donation
Meghan Markle's promise to donate As Ever sales to Malala Fund has sparked questions about how much her one-day fundraiser may have raised.
Meghan Markle shared photos from her recent London meeting with Malala Yousafzai, marking her first public appearance in the British capital since returning to the UK. However, her promise to donate a day’s worth of As Ever sales to Yousafzai’s cause has raised questions about how much money was actually raised.
The Duchess of Sussex and the Pakistani education activist posted pictures on Instagram on Sunday, October 11, giving fans a glimpse of their October 7 get-together. The caption reads, “This International Day of the Girl, in partnership with Archewell Philanthropies, 100 percent of net proceeds from As Ever jams and teas will support Malala Fund and its vital work to ensure every girl has access to free, safe, quality education. Tea for Two has never felt so good. Shop at asever.com.”
According to the Daily Mail, Markle’s pledge raised questions about how much her one-day As Ever fundraiser might actually bring in. In a report by Alison Boshoff, the publication estimated that sales of the brand’s jams and teas could generate around $2500 (£1,900) for the Malala Fund. The estimate was based on available sales data and assumed profit margins rather than confirmed figures from the promotion.
The outlet also noted that the estimated sum would fall short of the reported cost of Markle’s white Ralph Lauren trousers and cashmere sweater, which together were priced at around $3000 (£2,324). However, the final donation amount remains unknown, as Markle’s team described any specific figure as speculative.
A source close to Markle did not rule out the possibility that the donation could be as low as the newspaper estimated but stressed that any figure would remain purely speculative since As Ever does not disclose its sales data. They also argued that the former Suits star’s gesture could have a broader impact by encouraging others to contribute to the cause.
Markle and Prince Harry have previously joined Malala to mark the International Day of the Girl. In October 2020, the couple took part in a virtual conversation with the activist, discussing why access to education is so important for girls around the world. According to PEOPLE, Yousafzai said, “Meghan and I are on the same page: we both believe that when girls have access to education, everyone wins.”
