A political figure in Spain is contemplating legal action against Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, over allegations that her new brand, As Ever, has plagiarized a coat of arms from a small town in Mallorca. Xisca Mora, the mayor of Porreres, a quaint town with a population of just 5,000, has reportedly begun exploring the matter with her legal team to determine whether the municipality should pursue a case. While the situation is still in its early stages, Mora seems to be approaching it with a mix of concern and curiosity, acknowledging that the controversy could unexpectedly bring global attention to her otherwise overlooked town. “Many people around the world will become aware that in Mallorca there is an inland town that has this coat of arms,” she remarked, expressing a sense of surreal excitement about the sudden international spotlight.
The coat of arms in question features a central palm tree with two birds flying toward it, a design that bears a striking resemblance to the logo Markle unveiled for her rebranded lifestyle company, As Ever. While the original coat of arms is colorful, Markle’s version is rendered in black and white, and it’s unclear whether the birds depicted are the same species. Despite these differences, the similarity has raised eyebrows and prompted Mora to investigate whether the Duchess may have appropriated the design without proper authorization. Representatives for Markle have yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered.
For Markle, the launch of As Ever marks a new chapter in her entrepreneurial ventures, following a series of challenges with trademarking her previous brand, American Riviera Orchard. In an Instagram announcement, Markle explained that the name “American Riviera” had come to feel limiting, as it was often associated with products exclusively from her Santa Barbara neighborhood. She had reportedly secured the name “As Ever” in 2022 but waited for the right moment to unveil it. The rebranding includes a new website featuring the controversial logo, which has quickly become the focal point of the plagiarism debate.
Despite the accusations, the logo holds personal significance for Markle and her husband, Prince Harry. A source close to the couple revealed that the palm tree in the design is a nod to their home in California, while the two birds—believed to be hummingbirds—are a favorite of Harry’s. The distinct shape enclosing the tree and birds was reportedly crafted to create a unique and meaningful emblem for the family. The source emphasized that thorough global searches were conducted to ensure the design didn’t infringe on existing trademarks, suggesting that the couple took steps to avoid such issues.
The palm tree, in particular, carries emotional weight for the Sussexes. During an interview with The Cut in 2022, Markle shared a touching story about Harry’s reaction to the palm trees surrounding their Montecito home. She recalled how Harry had once pointed out that the trees’ interconnected trunks symbolized their family, saying, “My love, it’s us.” Their son, Archie, now 5, would often greet the trees as he passed them, adding to the symbolism of the design. For Harry, the hummingbirds also hold special meaning, as he reflected on their significance in his memoir, Spare. He recalled how a hummingbird once appeared in his home after the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and how friends interpreted it as a symbolic visitor or even a sign of connection to the past.
This is not the first time Markle has faced accusations of plagiarism. In 2018, she released a children’s book, The Bench, which drew comparisons to a book by a British author. However, the author in question publicly defended Markle, stating that he saw no significant similarities between their works. While the current situation is still unfolding, it highlights the challenges of creating original designs in a world where symbols and imagery are often deeply rooted in shared cultural and historical traditions. As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the Spanish municipality will pursue legal action or if the attention will ultimately benefit both parties by fostering a sense of connection across borders.
