If you thought the Sussexes were going to have a quiet start to the year, think again. Honestly, the latest news on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has been a bit of a whirlwind since the calendar flipped to 2026. While most of the internet is busy arguing about old royal grudges, the couple is actually pivoting hard.
They aren't just sitting in Montecito.
In fact, just a few days ago on January 8, they popped up on a video call with Gayle King to talk about the "smartphone-free childhood" movement. It wasn't some stiff, rehearsed PR stunt. Their dog, Pula, actually crashed the call while chewing on a stick. It’s those little moments that remind you they’re just parents trying to navigate the same digital mess as everyone else, even if Meghan is doing it while wearing an $18,700 Cartier necklace.
What’s really happening with the Sussex rebrand?
People love to talk about "Archewell," but the big shift right now is the move toward Archewell Philanthropies. It’s more than a name change. They are leaning heavily into frontline support. Harry spent his first solo outing of the year on January 15 visiting fire stations in Santa Barbara. He wasn't there for a photo op with a ribbon; he was looking at thermal search-and-rescue drones and talking to firefighters about the "Watch Duty" app, which helps track California wildfires in real-time.
Meghan, meanwhile, is knee-depth in her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
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There's been some chatter about her hiring a new PR team—specifically Sunshine Sachs, the firm she used back in her Suits days. Why? Probably because her latest product drops, like that £13 bookmark and the honey-and-tea bundle, sold out almost instantly. When things sell that fast, you need a different kind of machinery behind you.
The UK return and "Project Thaw"
You’ve probably seen the headlines about Harry heading back to London. It's happening. He’s expected in the High Court on January 19 for his case against Associated Newspapers.
But don't expect a family reunion at the palace.
King Charles is reportedly in Scotland, and William and Kate are busy with engagements in Stirling. There's this rumor floating around the UK tabloids called "Project Thaw"—a supposed "plot" to bring the Sussexes back into the royal fold. Whether it’s real or just expert speculation, the tension is definitely there. Interestingly, some reports claim the King has offered them Highgrove House as an "olive branch" for future visits. Highgrove is about 76 miles from Birmingham, which is where the next Invictus Games are happening.
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It makes sense. Sorta.
The "2016 vs 2026" Moment
Meghan recently broke the internet in her own way by joining a social media trend. On January 16, she posted a black-and-white video of her and Harry dancing, filmed by none other than Princess Lilibet. The caption was: "When 2026 feels just like 2016… you had to be there."
It was a callback to their third date in Botswana.
It’s a strategic move, sure, but it also shows a side of their life that feels less like a corporate entity and more like a family. They are dealing with the same "stickiest issues" as any other parents. Sources close to them have hinted that they disagree on how much to show the kids. Meghan reportedly wants the freedom to include Archie and Lili naturally, while Harry—who grew up under the heavy lens of the British press—is way more hesitant.
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Moving forward in 2026
If you're following the latest news on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to see if they’ll ever move back to the UK, the answer is still a messy "maybe." With 2026 being a big year for the Invictus Games and their humanitarian trips abroad, they are clearly focused on a global stage rather than a royal one.
Actionable Insights for Sussex Watchers:
- Watch the High Court: Keep an eye on the legal proceedings starting January 19. The outcome could dictate Harry's security status in the UK for years.
- As Ever Restocks: If you’re trying to snag Meghan's lifestyle products, sign up for the newsletter; they are selling out in hours.
- The "Watch Duty" Connection: Expect more tech-heavy philanthropy from Harry. He’s clearly interested in how AI and apps can help emergency responders.
- Summer 2026: This is the window everyone is pointing to for a potential family trip to the UK. If it happens, it’ll likely be centered around the Invictus Games countdown.
They aren't playing by the old rules anymore. It's less about the "Firm" and more about the "Brand," for better or worse.