Charles Spencer Takes a Leaf Out of Meghan Markle's Playbook — and Her Althorp Visit May Be Why
Charles Spencer could follow in Meghan Markle's footsteps through latest venture.
British aristocracy seemingly has a penchant for a good jar of jam. After Meghan Markle and King Charles, Charles Spencer may be next in line to launch his own line of lifestyle products. A subtle update recently gave away his next move after publishing the bombshell Princess Diana memoir.
The Earl has reportedly trademarked Spencer Farms, the name of his family business, to sell goods. The products may range from edible items such as honey, tea, wine, and marmalades to practical wares like rugs and bags. This will enable him to earn money from the sales while also naturally preventing anyone else from using the title.
According to reports, Spencer has also registered his name for public speaking and appearances. Sounds like the exact roadmap the Duchess of Sussex pivoted to after leaving the royal family. However, a source told The Sun that the trademarks were made in 2023, two years before Markle launched As Ever, as a “preventative measure”. Claiming that it is not a “new venture”, the source added the trademarks were left “dormant” ever since. Well, the Sussexes’ stay at Althorp in July this year could have certainly churned up some inspiration for Spencer to officially foray into the lifestyle space.
While the King already has his Highgrove line, Markle has, in recent times, been the torchbearer in the lifestyle space with her highly marketed brand, As Ever. She runs it like an independent company seemingly free from the royal fold, and even found a lucrative, albeit ill-fated partnership with Netflix for it. Interestingly enough, all three of them based their brands on their beloved places of residence. So much so that the locations became a part of brand identity. The monarch sells his products from his prized Gloucestershire personal abode, the Duchess from Montecito, and now Spencer from his family seat, Althorp.
Given the current media storm around Spencer’s new book on Diana, and Althorp’s significance in keeping her memory alive, the sprawling property becoming part of the brand identity certainly wouldn’t hurt. The Earl may even find a mentor in Markle, who is currently in the UK for an extended period with her family. Speculation about her expanding As Ever across the pond is also rife.
Whatever may be the case, if Spencer does take the lifestyle plunge, it would be an interesting sequel to Swan Song. A move not many would have predicted, but would certainly look forward to.
