Celeb chef slams Meghan Markle for tying her name to anything that 'brings in money'

To further expand her As Ever brand, Meghan Markle is reportedly considering many options, including laying plans to launch her own hotels and restaurants. The Duchess of Sussex has already taken 2025 by storm following her social media revival, Netflix series, and the launch of her new business venture.

After it emerged that she had trademarked her lifestyle brand for "hospitality services", celebrity chef, Jameson Stocks, has revealed that he was left furious after hearing the news and claimed it was "unbelievable." The world-renowned chef, who is a proud ambassador for The King's Trust and has had the honour of cooking for King Charles, slammed the Duchess.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, he said: "Meghan has got as much skill in opening up a restaurant as I have walking on water."

The cooking expert expanded on his concerns, describing the whole concept as "absolutely unbelievable" and said it "really highlights the questionable advice she must be receiving." He suspects that those surrounding Meghan are "simply using her name," before firmly stating it's all "nonsense."

Jameson's criticism stems from the current climate in the restaurant industry as he says: "Respected restaurants are struggling right now. Even Michelin-star chefs are closing their doors.

"Profit margins are tight, and people aren't dining out as much anymore. It seems like she's just attaching her name to anything that brings in money."

Despite his frustration, Jameson offered a balanced view, saying he gives Meghan "the benefit of the doubt" and recognises that "she's creating a lifestyle brand featuring wine, honey, and more." However, he stressed that affordability is key.

He said: "The fact that her jams and other goods are produced thousands of miles away from her home-it doesn't convey an artisan feel and added value when they come from a factory!"

Commenting on her potential role in any hospitality venture, the chef added: "It would be as fake as her TV program, in her name to a venue."

Then, referring to how F1 legend Lewis Hamilton also entered the hospitality field and saw his burger chain collapse, he offered the Duchess some sage advice: "Sometimes, it's best to stick to what you know."

He argued that if Meghan were to enter the restaurant business, "she would not be running the show."

"The hospitality sector is struggling and there are far better candidates for investment than Meghan Markle. I imagine she'll contribute some ideas she wants to pursue, but if the investors are wise, they'll handle most decisions themselves. Her name will likely be used to endorse projects."

Earlier this year, Meghan starred in her own lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, with season two expected to drop on the streaming platform in the coming months.

The show was followed by a string of product launches under the As Ever name, including jam, honey, and most recently, rosé wine, sparking widespread speculation about what she may release next.

Jameson was critical of her brand-building trajectory, saying: "It seems Netflix has invested an astonishing amount of money in her but has run out of creative ideas for her projects."

He concluded: "Now, they appear to be focusing on building a lifestyle brand around her-a chance she would never have received if she weren't part of the Royal Family as nobody would be interested."