So much is happening right now with the Sussexes that it’s honestly hard to keep up. Just when you think they’ve settled into a quiet rhythm in Montecito, everything shifts. This week has been a whirlwind of nostalgia, business pivots, and a very public "olive branch" from London that has everyone talking.
If you’ve been following the latest news meghan markle and prince harry, you know the narrative usually leans toward drama. But the reality on the ground in January 2026 is actually a lot more nuanced. It’s about a family trying to protect their peace while building a global brand that—let’s be real—has faced its fair share of hurdles.
The Instagram Post That Broke the Internet (Sorta)
Meghan just did something she rarely does. She hopped on a viral social media trend. On Friday, January 16, the Duchess shared a carousel on Instagram that felt surprisingly... normal.
The caption? "When 2026 feels just like 2016….you had to be there."
It featured a black-and-white clip of her and Harry dancing in their garden, and here’s the kicker: it was filmed by their four-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet. People are losing it over how sweet it is. It’s a rare glimpse into their private life that doesn't feel staged for a Netflix documentary. She also included a throwback from their 2016 Botswana trip—their famous third date.
It feels like a deliberate move to remind everyone that despite the tabloid noise, they’re still that same couple that fell in love under the stars a decade ago.
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The Highgrove "Olive Branch" and the Security Battle
While things look cozy in California, the UK situation is getting complicated again. Reports have surfaced that King Charles has offered Harry and Meghan the use of Highgrove House, his personal country estate, for future visits.
This is huge.
They haven’t had a UK base since they were asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage back in 2023. This offer is being seen as a major peace offering from the King, who is now 77.
But there’s a catch.
Harry is still in the middle of a massive legal fight over his security. Just this week, news broke that his legal team is dealing with "exceptionally serious" challenges in his case against the Daily Mail's publisher. However, there is a silver lining for the Duke: RAVEC (the committee that handles royal security) has reportedly done a new risk assessment. Word is, Harry might actually be on the path to regaining taxpayer-funded protection.
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If that happens, we might finally see Archie and Lilibet back on British soil this summer. Harry has always been firm—no security, no family visits. It’s a hill he’s willing to die on.
The Business Reset: As Ever and the PR Shakeup
Behind the scenes, the Sussex business machine is being totally overhauled. You might have noticed the rebrand. The Archewell Foundation is now officially Archewell Philanthropies.
Meghan is also leaning hard into her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Just a few days ago, on January 13, she dropped her first product of 2026. It’s a "Moment to Unwind" bundle that includes:
- A $18 leather bookmark (hand-engraved with "Fell asleep here")
- Peppermint tea
- Sage honey with honeycomb
It’s very "quiet luxury."
But the business side hasn't been all smooth sailing. At the end of 2025, they lost two heavy hitters: their chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, and James Holt, the longtime head of Archewell. To steady the ship, Meghan has reportedly gone back to her roots, rehiring Sunshine Sachs, the PR firm she worked with back in her Suits days.
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Why 2026 is the "Make or Break" Year
The latest news meghan markle and prince harry suggests they are done with the "tell-all" era. No more Spare. No more six-part venting sessions.
They are focusing on what they call "present" parenting and boots-on-the-ground work. Harry kicked off his year visiting Santa Barbara fire stations to support wildfire response. He’s working with an app called Watch Duty to provide real-time alerts. It’s practical. It’s local.
The couple also has humanitarian trips planned for later this year, following the success of their visits to Nigeria and Colombia.
What This Means for You
If you’re looking for a takeaway from the current Sussex saga, it’s this: they are trying to decouple their brand from the Royal Family drama while simultaneously keeping the door open for a personal reconciliation with the King. It’s a tightrope walk.
Actionable Insights for Sussex Followers:
- Watch the Security Case: This is the ultimate domino. If Harry wins his security battle, expect a high-profile UK return for the whole family this summer.
- The "As Ever" Pivot: Keep an eye on Meghan’s product drops. She’s moving away from being a "personality" and toward being a "founder." The success of these items will determine their financial independence.
- The Royal Anniversary: July 4, 2026, is the 250th anniversary of US independence. There are rumors of a massive royal visit to the States. Whether Harry and Meghan are "iced out" or included in some capacity will tell us everything we need to know about the state of the rift.
The bottom line? The Sussexes are playing the long game now. They’ve survived the "year of panic" and seem to be entering a phase of intentional, albeit quieter, growth.
To keep up with the moving pieces, monitor the official Archewell Philanthropies site for project updates, as they've shifted away from traditional press releases in favor of direct-to-consumer updates. If you're interested in the lifestyle side, checking the As Ever site periodically is the only way to catch the limited-edition drops, as they tend to sell out within hours of the "Save the Date" teases on Instagram.