Wait, did you see that video? Meghan Markle just basically broke the internet (again) by posting a clip of her and Harry dancing in their garden in Montecito. It was a black-and-white vibe, very 2016, with a caption that said, "When 2026 feels just like 2016."
Honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago that they were the "Fab Four" in London. But right now, the harry and meghan markle latest news isn't just about Instagram clips or garden dancing. We are looking at a massive, calculated shift in their strategy. People are calling it "Project Thaw," and if the rumors are right, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning a return to the UK that could happen as soon as this summer.
The UK Return: Is "Project Thaw" Real?
For years, the big question has been whether Meghan would ever step foot on British soil again. She hasn't been there since the Queen’s funeral in 2022. But things are changing. Reports from mid-January 2026 suggest King Charles has extended a pretty significant "olive branch" by offering them Highgrove House to stay in. Highgrove isn't just some random palace; it’s the King's personal country home.
Why now? Well, the security situation is finally moving.
Harry’s been in a long legal battle over his police protection. Basically, he felt it wasn't safe to bring Archie (now 6) and Lilibet (now 4) back without armed guards. But a new risk assessment by RAVEC might have cleared the way for his security to be reinstated. If that happens, the "roadblock" is gone.
📖 Related: Erik Menendez Height: What Most People Get Wrong
What to Expect This Summer
- The Invictus Countdown: There is a major event in July 2026 in Birmingham. It’s the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games.
- The Family Factor: This could be the first time the King spends real time with Lilibet, whom he’s reportedly only met once.
- The "Bitter Pill": Royal commentators like Shane Watson are saying this return might be a tough one for William and Kate to swallow. Meghan isn't coming back as a "working royal" anymore; she’s coming back as a California business mogul.
The Business Pivot: From "American Riviera" to "As Ever"
If you were looking for "American Riviera Orchard" on your feed, you might have noticed things look a bit different. Meghan has officially rebranded the business to As Ever.
Why the change? Apparently, the original name was a bit too geographically limiting. She wanted to move beyond just things grown in Santa Barbara. The new brand is much more about her "Tig" roots—cooking, gardening, and that "mindful wealth" aesthetic.
Just this week, on January 13, she dropped her first product of 2026: a leather bookmark. It’s handmade in the UK (a nice little nod to her past life) and features her signature calligraphy with the words "Fell asleep here." It sold for $18, and alongside a "Moment to Unwind" tea set, it’s already moving units.
The Netflix Factor
The Netflix deal has been a roller coaster. For a second there, everyone thought it was over. But the harry and meghan markle latest news confirms they’ve actually extended the partnership, though it’s a "first-look" deal now rather than a massive exclusive one. This gives them more freedom.
👉 See also: Old pics of Lady Gaga: Why we’re still obsessed with Stefani Germanotta
Meghan's show With Love, Meghan is heading into its second season later this month. While it hasn't exactly been a Stranger Things level hit, it’s been great for marketing her products. Netflix is even planning to feature her As Ever line in their "Netflix House" retail stores.
Harry’s 2026 Focus: Firefighters and Philanthropy
While Meghan is building a lifestyle empire, Harry has been getting back to his roots. His first solo appearance of 2026 was a visit to Santa Barbara fire stations.
He’s been working closely with an app called Watch Duty. After the devastating L.A. fires last year, Archewell Philanthropies (which recently rebranded from "Foundation" to "Philanthropies") has made wildfire response a core pillar of their work.
It’s a different look for Harry. Less "tell-all memoir" and more "boots on the ground." He’s been seen touring stations with thermal search-and-rescue drones and talking to first responders about mental health. It feels like he’s trying to reclaim the "Captain Wales" energy that made him so popular in the first place.
✨ Don't miss: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes in 2026
The Reality Check: Tensions Are Still High
Don't let the "Project Thaw" name fool you into thinking everything is perfect. William and Kate have reportedly hired a new crisis management expert, Liza Ravenscroft. That’s a move you don't make unless you're bracing for impact.
There are also weird rumors about a rift between Meghan and her mom, Doria Ragland. Insiders claim Doria isn't living at the Montecito estate anymore. Whether that’s just Doria wanting her own space or something deeper, the tabloids are all over it.
Misconceptions vs. Reality
- "They are broke": Not even close. Between the Netflix extension, the book residuals, and the new lifestyle brand, they are doing fine.
- "They’ll never go back": The security clearance changes everything. If the UK government provides the guards, Harry has no excuse left to stay away.
- "Meghan hates the UK": She’s actually leaning into British manufacturing for her brand. That’s a choice.
What This Means for You
If you're following this because you love the drama or because you're interested in how they're rebranding, the next six months are the ones to watch.
The strategy is clear: separate their brands. Harry does the service-led, military-adjacent philanthropy. Meghan builds a luxury lifestyle world that bridges the gap between California cool and British tradition.
Actionable Next Steps
- Monitor the Security Ruling: The RAVEC decision is the domino that has to fall first. If Harry gets his security, expect an official UK visit announcement within weeks.
- Watch the "As Ever" Drops: If you’re a fan of the aesthetic, Meghan’s new brand is moving toward "quiet luxury." The products are designed to be "tangible," moving away from just digital content.
- Check the Netflix Season 2 Premiere: This will be the litmus test for whether their content can survive without the "royal gossip" element.
2026 isn't just another year for the Sussexes; it's the year they stop being "ex-royals" and start being a global brand in their own right. Whether the "thaw" with the rest of the family actually happens is still anyone's guess, but the bags are packed, and the bookmarks are sold.