Honestly, if you feel like you’re getting whiplash from the constant stream of Harry and Meghan updates, you aren't alone. One day they’re the "it" couple of Montecito, and the next, there's a flurry of reports about "divided priorities" and solo trips to the UK.
It's 2026, and the Sussexes are officially in a transition era. Forget the explosive tell-alls of the past—what we're seeing right now is a calculated, slightly messy, but very real attempt to build two distinct professional identities. Some call it a "brand split." Others see it as a survival tactic.
The $18 Bookmark and the "As Ever" Era
Let's talk about Meghan's big move. On January 13, 2026, the Duchess launched her first product of the year under her rebranded lifestyle line, As Ever (the brand formerly known as American Riviera Orchard).
It wasn't a diamond-encrusted tiara or a $5,000 handbag. It was a $18 vegetable-tanned leather bookmark. Stamped with "Fell asleep here" in her own calligraphy.
It sold out in ten minutes.
That tells you something. Meghan is leaning hard into "tangible luxury." After the mixed reception of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, she’s betting on home goods. Think peppermint tea, sage honey, and expensive-looking candles. It's a pivot from "Royal Duchess" to "Global Entrepreneur," and frankly, it seems to be where she’s most comfortable.
Harry’s London Return and the Security Standoff
While Meghan is busy building a lifestyle empire in California, Prince Harry is looking back across the pond. He’s expected in London this January for his High Court case against Associated Newspapers.
But don't expect a family reunion.
The latest word is that King Charles—who is still undergoing cancer treatment—has "no plans" to see his son during this visit. There’s a massive trust gap there. The Palace is reportedly terrified that any private conversation will end up in a sequel to Spare.
The real hurdle for Harry isn't just his dad; it's the security. The Duke is currently waiting on a Home Office review to see if he’ll get state-funded protection back. Until that happens, don't expect to see Archie and Lilibet on British soil. Harry has been very clear: he won't bring his family to the UK if he doesn't feel they are safe.
Are They Actually Drifting?
You've probably seen the headlines. "Deeply Divided Priorities." "Harry Tired of Being in Meghan's Shadow."
It sounds dramatic. Kinda is, kinda isn't.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams recently noted that the couple is navigating a "huge test." Harry wants to be a global philanthropist and reconnect with his roots. Meghan wants to be the next Martha Stewart. These two paths don't always overlap.
Take the Parents Network, for example. This was a huge "passion project" for them, focusing on online safety for kids. Recently, they quietly handed the operational reins over to an organization called ParentsTogether. It’s a move that suggests they’re streamlining. They’re cutting the fluff to focus on what actually makes money and builds their individual "legacies."
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What This Means for 2026
Basically, the "Sussex Brand" is no longer a monolith.
- Meghan is the CEO: She’s focusing on As Ever and her upcoming Netflix rom-com projects (like the adaptation of The Wedding Date). She’s staying in Montecito.
- Harry is the Advocate: He’s still the face of the Invictus Games and is fighting legal battles that he feels are a matter of principle.
- The "Royal" Connection is Fading: The more they lean into their US-based ventures, the further they drift from the traditional Royal Family structure.
It’s a gamble. Building a business is hard. Staying relevant without the Royal "halo" is harder. But for the first time in a long time, it feels like they’re actually doing the work instead of just talking about the past.
If you're following the Harry and Meghan updates to see a royal reconciliation, you might be waiting a while. But if you’re watching to see if a former actress and a Prince can actually make it as American moguls, the next few months are going to be fascinating.
Your Next Steps for Following the Sussexes:
If you want to keep up with the actual facts and skip the tabloid noise, keep an eye on the UK Home Office security ruling coming later this month. That decision will be the ultimate "tell" for whether we see the whole family in London for the Invictus celebrations this summer. Also, watch the As Ever website—the frequency of Meghan's "product drops" will tell you exactly how much steam her lifestyle brand actually has.