British clergymen lock social media accounts after Meghan fans’ backlash, GB News reports

Two British clergymen privatized their social media accounts after receiving a wave of online abuse from supporters of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, GB News reported. The backlash followed public criticism from the two priests directed at a £112 luxury advent calendar launched by the Duchess through her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in collaboration with Los Angeles chocolatier Compartés.

Clergymen Face Online Backlash Over Advent Calendar Criticism

The dispute began when Reverend Daniel French posted a photograph of the Duchess and her As Ever product alongside a much cheaper alternative on social media. For £5.99, he suggested pre-ordering a Christian Advent calendar with Fairtrade chocolate.

Following the post, some online supporters of the Duchess responded with hostility, labeling Reverend French as satan spawn and evil, while another user accused him of possessing an ugly heart for a so-called Christian. Father Chris Phillips subsequently agreed with Reverend French’s position, triggering a second surge of hostile messages directed at his account.

Accounts Locked Down Amid Sustained Social Media Campaign

Reverend French likewise locked down his profile during the sustained campaign before later making it publicly accessible again. Individuals who defended the two priests described them on social media as having been terrorised by deranged trolls, though these commenters were independent users and did not speak for the Duchess or her wider support base.

The advent calendar at the center of the controversy is priced at $148 or £112 and contains 24 handcrafted chocolates in flavors such as strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and orange marmalade, alongside a dark chocolate ganache truffle.

As Ever Expands Holiday Collection With Wicker Baskets and Baskets

The lifestyle brand has continued rolling out products for the holiday season alongside the advent calendar. The Independent reported that the Duchess added a wicker Pantry Basket costing £195, a Parlour Basket priced at £182, and a Hostess Basket for £159 to her limited-edition inventory. The Pantry Basket includes a set of three jams, two jars of honey, flower sprinkles, three herbal teas, a hot toddy mulling spice kit, and a spiced cider version. Other additions include a Treasures of the Orchard chocolate-covered fruit gift box for £56.

Writing on Instagram, the Duchess expressed pride in her growing company, stating that she pinches herself looking at how the brand has developed. Page Six noted that the new As Ever holiday collection bears a striking resemblance to the 2026 wicker royal hamper collection released by Buckingham Palace, which also features a chocolate-filled advent calendar priced at £15.93 alongside items such as rose bath salts and crown-embroidered slippers.

Unresolved Questions Surrounding Future Holiday Releases and Pet Products

Town & Country Magazine reported that ahead of the advent calendar launch, the Duchess shared behind-the-scenes planning footage featuring Compartés Creative Director Jonathan Grahm, which included a brief glimpse of a dog toy shaped like a raspberry spread. While the appearance of the plush toy hints at potential pet products from As Ever, the brand has not yet confirmed whether pet accessories will be included in its holiday lineup. Representatives for Buckingham Palace and the Duchess did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the product similarities, and GB News reported that both Reverend French and Father Phillips were approached for comment on the social media dispute.