The recent controversy surrounding Meghan Markle’s “As Ever” brand logo, which features a palm tree and two hummingbirds, has drawn criticism from the mayor of Porreres, Majorca, who claims it resembles the town’s historic coat of arms depicting a palm tree flanked by two birds. While both designs share these elements, it’s important to recognize that such imagery is prevalent in various logos and emblems worldwide, making the overlap coincidental rather than intentional.

For instance, numerous brands and organizations utilize logos featuring palm trees and birds to evoke themes of nature, tranquility, and tropical locales. A simple search reveals a multitude of designs incorporating these motifs, underscoring their widespread use in graphic design.

Meghan’s logo holds personal significance, symbolizing her family’s connection to their California home and honoring her relationship with Prince Harry. The palm tree represents Santa Barbara, where the couple resides, and the hummingbirds are meaningful to Prince Harry, who associates them with his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth. This personal context suggests that the design was conceived independently, without reference to Porreres’ emblem.

Given the ubiquity of palm tree and bird imagery in logos, it’s plausible that the similarities between the “As Ever” logo and Porreres’ coat of arms are coincidental. Without concrete evidence of intentional copying, it’s reasonable to conclude that Meghan’s design is a unique representation of her personal experiences and environment.

Defamation?

The Mayor of Porreres’ claim that Meghan Markle “plagiarized” the town’s coat of arms with her As Ever logo is an overreach and could be seen as defamatory, given the lack of concrete evidence of intentional copying. The accusation suggests wrongdoing where none has been proven, potentially harming Meghan’s reputation and business interests.

Firstly, the elements in question—a palm tree and two birds—are common motifs used in countless logos, emblems, and designs across the world. The fact that Meghan’s logo features hummingbirds, while the Porreres emblem features either swallows or pigeons, further weakens the plagiarism claim. If the birds are different species and the design is not identical in structure or composition, there is no basis for saying Meghan “stole” the design.

Additionally, Meghan’s brand logo is rooted in personal meaning. The palm tree represents Santa Barbara, California, where she and Prince Harry live, while the hummingbirds symbolize a connection to nature and hold sentimental value for Harry, who associates them with Queen Elizabeth II. This shows that the design was independently conceived and not derived from any historical European town emblem.

By publicly accusing Meghan of plagiarism without solid proof, the Mayor of Porreres risks misleading the public and fueling unnecessary controversy. Such claims could damage Meghan’s brand and business ventures, affecting her ability to market As Ever. If this results in financial or reputational harm, it could be argued that the statements amount to defamation.

Unless the Mayor can prove that Meghan directly copied the town’s coat of arms with knowledge and intent, these accusations are speculative at best and defamatory at worst. Public figures, including mayors, have a responsibility to ensure their statements are factual and not aimed at tarnishing someone’s reputation without evidence.