Meghan shares Charlie Macksey book Kate used for carol service
by Kate Ng · Mail OnlineMeghan Markle appears to have taken another leaf out of the Princess of Wales's book in her latest Instagram post.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, showed she was a fan of British author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy by posting a snippet from the best-selling book, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, this weekend.
Meghan was promoting a honey and leather bookmark Christmas gift set from her lifestyle brand As Ever on Instagram, a new product being launched just in time for the festive season.
In her post, which also included a short clip of Meghan writing calligraphy in a notebook, the book was opened to a page which the words: 'Always remember you matter, you're important and you are loved and you bring to this world things no one else can.'
Last year, Kate, 43, included bespoke illustrations by Mackesy in her 2024 Christmas carol service, which she hosted following her cancer diagnosis and treatment last year.
At the time, Mackesy said: 'Love, empathy and kindness are important messages for us all. As the theme of The Princess of Wales' Carol Service this year, it was very special to have been asked to create the illustration for the Order of Service. I hope it reminds us of the beauty of being there for each other at Christmas.'
Meghan's choice of book to promote her products drew comparisons between her and Kate, with some critics claiming she has 'mirrored' the Princess.
'Not much she's done has left me proper gobsmacked, but this time I am,' one person wrote on Reddit.
'Of all the books in the entire world, she has to use this book. Truly unbelievable.'
On X, formerly Twitter, another person claimed: 'Classic Copy‑Paste Duchess move.'
Mackesy's illustrations have made him one of the most beloved artists in Britain and, in 2021, his book was named the best-selling adult hardback since records began.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse was published in 2019 and celebrates themes of kindness and friendship.
Mackesy is also a close friend to the royal family. Last year, he illustrated an image of a snowy scene with a group of people walking arm-in-arm towards Westminster Abbey that was featured on the Order of Service for Kate's annual Christmas carols event.
The beautiful drawing was accompanied by the words: 'How did I help? You were by my side, which was everything.'
Kate's hosting of her Christmas carol service last year - her fourth year doing so - was especially significant as it was part of her gradual return to public duties after being treated for cancer.
The service aimed to provide a moment of reflection about the importance of loved ones, especially during difficult times.
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Meghan's first Christmas collection! Duchess drops new range of As Ever products
Mackesy was also previously featured in Queen Camilla's Reading Room book club and had a conversation with the royal about his book in 2021.
At the time, Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, told the author: 'I just love your drawings. I've spent my whole life as a child doodling horses.
'I used to do it everywhere, but mine unfortunately, haven't turned out like yours,' she added.
Mackesy drew a bespoke illustration for the Queen's book club, featuring a sweet owl with an open book with the words 'The Reading Room' on the front.
Meghan's latest As Ever post comes after she launched her first-ever Christmas collection, including the honey and leather bookmark gift set.
A note on the leather bookmark read 'fell asleep here' while the 9oz jars of honey have the As Ever brand written in Meghan's calligraphy.
The post, which read 'Our Honey Duo just got sweeter', said the bundle is exclusively available at the Godmothers bookshop for a limited time.
It's not the first time Meghan shared her calligraphy skills, as she taught calligraphy, gift-wrapping and book-binding at the Paper Source store in Beverly Hills from 2004 to 2005 when she was a jobbing actress trying to make ends meet.
In addition to her job at Paper Source, she also worked as a freelance calligrapher, famously writing the invitations for celebrities Robin Thicke and Paula Patton's wedding in 2005.
And she appears to have prompted a surge in sales of calligraphy craft kits with a 2018 trends report from Hobbycraft detailing an increase in interest in calligraphy kits, up 40 per cent from 2017.
Hobbycraft noted that sales peaked over the summer period, in line with the Royal Wedding on the 19 May 2018.
The Duchess' festive collection includes new products, such as two candles inspired by her wedding date and her August 4 birthday and a 2021 Vintage Napa Valley Brut, costing $89.
Signature Candle No. 519, scented with Moroccan mint, cardamom, and tea leaves apparently 'evokes the freshness of a day in the English countryside', according to a gushing description on her website.
It's said to capture 'cherished memories' of the 'ease and joy' of Meghan's wedding day on May 19, 2018.
Meghan also added to her range of fruit spreads and launched a new strawberry flavour, which comes as part of the Signature Fruit Spread Gift set, priced at $42, alongside a jar of orange marmalade and raspberry.
Meghan Markle's As Ever Christmas collection
2021 Vintage Napa Valley Brut- $89
Signature Fruit Spread Gift Set - $42
Signature Candle No. 084 - $64
Fruit Spread Trio - $36
Honey Duo Gift Set - $62
Signature Candle No. 519 - $64
Sage Honey with Honeycomb - $32
Spiced Cider Mulling Spice Kit - $16
Flower Sprinkles - $15
Hot Toddy Mulling Spice Kit - $16
Raspberry Spread - $12
Orange Marmalade - $12
Herbal Hibiscus Tea - $14
Herbal Lemon Ginger Tea - $14
Herbal Peppermint Tea - $14
2024 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - $35
2024 Napa Valley Rosé - $35