Meghan Markle's $148 Advent Calendar Sparks Feud With British Priests: "Satan Spawn" Claims and Locked Accounts

Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand has entered the holiday market with a £112 (about $148) advent calendar, a collaboration with LA chocolatier Compartés featuring 24 chocolates. The price tag quickly became the story, especially after Rev. Daniel French, an Anglican priest and London university chaplain, pointed out that an $8 Fairtrade alternative exists, one that supports the Leprosy Mission.

French’s suggestion didn’t land as a friendly tip. His mentions filled with hostile messages, including calling him“evil”and“satan spawn.”Father Chris Phillips, a priest in southwest London, backed him up and faced his own wave of abuse, eventually locking his account. The episode put a spotlight on how quickly fan culture can tip into harassment when a celebrity’s business gets critiqued.

The timing adds another layer. Harry and Meghan returned to the UK in August with Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, and pulled the kids from their new school just two days into term over security concerns. With the family facing its first British Christmas since the move, a chocolate calendar fight is the last thing anyone needed. Would you spend $148 on an advent calendar, or is the $8 charity version the smarter buy?