Meghan Markle Faces Backlash Over Early Season Garden Produce in California

Meghan Markle recently posted a photo on Instagram featuring the Sussexes' beagle Mia inspecting a basket of fresh vegetables that she claimed were harvested from her garden in Montecito, California. The basket contained a variety of produce such as broccoli, carrots, corn, red peppers, squash, spring onions, and herbs, but royal watchers and gardening enthusiasts quickly questioned the authenticity of the harvest due to the unusually clean appearance of the vegetables and the timing of their availability. Critics noted that some of the crops, particularly sweetcorn, are typically harvested later in the year in California, making it unlikely they were freshly picked from her garden in May. Speculation arose that Meghan may have sourced the vegetables from a local grocery store or farmer's market rather than growing them herself. This controversy comes as Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, is currently pausing new product releases to evaluate its future direction. Despite the scrutiny, some vegetables such as spring onions, peppers, and certain types of squash can be harvested at this time of year, adding nuance to the discussion.