Meghan Markle’s High-End Advent Calendar Upstaged by Buckingham Palace’s Affordable Option
Buckingham Palace and Meghan Markle are having a royal holiday showdown with their competing Christmas advent calendars.
Meghan Markle is capitalizing on the holiday season in advance by introducing her American Dream-styled advent calendar. The Duchess recently shared a series of posts on her lifestyle brand. As Ever's official Instagram handle, showcasing the decadent product created in collaboration with Los Angeles chocolatier Compartes. Embodying the Christmas spirit, the calendar features 24 handcrafted chocolates inspired by signature spreads and her Montecito home and garden, with each day marked by a countdown number in her own handwriting. Meanwhile, the royal family has also embraced the Christmas cheer early with a uniquely designed product that has completely overshadowed Markle's efforts.
The King's traditional advent calendar is priced at around $15.85 (£12), which is roughly £100 less than Markle's luxurious version. Weighing 95g and available through the Royal Collection Trust, it features 24 chocolates and captures the festive magic of royal residences, including Windsor Castle. In contrast, Markle's 'limited-edition' calendar, inspired by her Californian mansion at Montecito, costs approximately $148 (£112). Available exclusively in the US, it is filled with curated treats from Los Angeles chocolatier Compartés, featuring flavors like strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and orange marmalade alongside a specialty chocolate adorned with her signature flower sprinkles.
On the other hand, the Palace introduced a new unfilled advent calendar starting at approximately $33 (£25). The customizable white box features an illustration of Buckingham Palace in winter. Customers are allowed to select their personal favorites to go behind each countdown number, including $6.60 (£5) chocolate coins, $9 (£7) organic honey from Balmoral, $15.85 (£12) hand cream, and a $56 (£43) bag charm, sold separately, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The Buckingham version showcases traditional holiday design, featuring an illustrated Christmas tree with a crown topper, two Union flags, and iconic ceremonial guardsmen. On September 28, the Royal Collection Trust announced that its Christmas Shop will return to the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace from November 13. On October 2, a post on the gift shop's official Instagram page revealed several new festive launches, including 'festive treats, thoughtful gifts, and decorations inspired by royal tradition.' Two days later, Markle hinted at having a 'few surprises in store,' with an Instagram post showing the Duchess stirring a copper saucepan in a glamorous kitchen, fitted with a stainless steel cooker, oak cabinets, and delicate ceramic dishes.
Meanwhile, holiday-themed items at Buckingham Palace Shop this year feature handcrafted tree decorations, including a corgi wearing a crown in tribute to the late Queen, and the latest hamper goodies. The $92 (£70) Sweet Treat Hamper offers favorite bakery treats like chocolate chip shortbread, clotted cream fudge, and hot chocolate. Additionally, the Royal Festive Pantry includes fine foods such as mince pies and festive preserves.
