Honestly, if you thought the Sussexes were going to fade into the Montecito fog, you haven't been paying attention. It is January 2026, and the vibe around the Duke and Duchess has shifted. Again.
The latest Prince Harry and Meghan Markle news isn't just about another Netflix documentary or a stray comment on a podcast. It’s about a massive, calculated pivot that’s currently unfolding in real-time. We’re seeing a total reshuffle of their inner circle, a rebranding of Meghan’s business interests, and a high-stakes legal battle over UK security that might finally bring the whole family back to British soil.
Let's get into the weeds of what's actually happening right now.
The "As Ever" Rebrand and the End of the Netflix Era
Remember American Riviera Orchard? That brand name that sounded like a luxury candle store in a coastal village? Well, it’s basically gone. Meghan has officially pivoted to a new brand identity called As Ever.
Critics are calling it a "doom loop" of rebranding, but if you look at the strategy, it’s a clear move away from the hyper-local Santa Barbara aesthetic. Meghan basically said the old name was too restrictive. She wanted to sell more than just jams and linens from one specific zip code.
Here is the kicker: As Ever is launching its first major product drop around March 4, 2026.
This rollout is timed perfectly with her new Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan. But don't expect a long-term marriage with the streaming giant. Multiple reports, including some from Forbes and People, indicate that the $100 million Netflix deal—the one that started it all—is set to expire this year without a renewal.
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Netflix got the big hits they wanted with the original docuseries. Now? They’re moving on. The Sussexes are moving on too, hiring back their old PR heavyweights at Sunshine Sachs to handle the 2026 "reshaping."
The Security Verdict: Are Archie and Lilibet Coming to England?
This is the big one. For years, Harry has been locked in a legal tug-of-war with the UK Home Office over his police protection.
He wants it. They took it away. He sued.
As of this week, we are on the verge of a verdict. Royal experts like Sarah Vine are already weighing in on the optics. If Harry wins, he’s likely to bring Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, to the UK this summer.
Why now? Because the Invictus Games are heading to Birmingham.
There’s a "one year to go" event scheduled for this summer, and Harry is a lock to attend. If he has the security he’s been fighting for, Meghan and the kids will likely be with him. Imagine the scenes. It would be the first time the children have been in the UK since the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
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The drama is already simmering. Some commentators are saying William and Kate are in "brace position." Tensions haven't exactly thawed, and a full Sussex family arrival in London would be... well, let's call it "complicated."
The Pivot to "Phone-Free" Advocacy
While the tabloids focus on the rift, Harry and Meghan have been leaning hard into a specific niche: online safety.
They made their first public appearance of 2026 just a few days ago. It wasn't a red carpet. It was a video link from Montecito for an Oprah Daily chat with Gayle King. They were discussing the "phone-based childhood" with authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price.
It was actually pretty relatable. Their dog, Pula, was even in the background chewing a stick during the call.
The couple has officially handed over the "Parents’ Network"—an initiative they incubated under Archewell—to a non-profit called ParentsTogether. This follows their model of starting things and then letting them go "independent." They’re positioning themselves as the global faces of the movement to protect kids from social media harm.
Harry’s been very vocal about this. He recently praised Australia’s ban on social media for under-16s as "bold action," even if he thinks it’s just a "band-aid."
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What You Need to Know Right Now
- The Brand: American Riviera Orchard is out; As Ever is in.
- The Staff: They've lost 11 publicists in five years. They just rehired Sunshine Sachs to steady the ship for 2026.
- The Travel: A UK return for the whole family is "imminent" depending on the security ruling.
- The Content: Meghan's cookbook is hitting shelves this spring, and her Netflix show With Love, Meghan is the final chapter of their current deal.
Is "Spare 2" on the Horizon?
Everyone is asking this. Spare was a nuclear bomb for royal relations.
There are persistent rumors that Harry has enough material for a second volume. He’s even said so himself in past interviews. Royal biographer Robert Hardman pointed out that Harry only spent a few pages on his wedding in the first book. That’s a massive "tell" for an author.
Whether it’s a sequel or Meghan’s own memoir, the threat of more "truth-telling" is the shadow that hangs over every interaction with the Palace.
Moving Forward: Actionable Insights for Sussex Watchers
If you’re trying to keep up with the latest Prince Harry and Meghan Markle news, don't get distracted by the fluff. Watch the legal filings and the trademark registries.
- Watch the UK Court News: The security ruling is the "domino" that falls before any travel plans are announced. If you see a "win" for Harry in court, book your flights for the Invictus countdown in Birmingham.
- Monitor the "As Ever" Launch: March 2026 is the make-or-break moment for Meghan’s commercial viability. If the products sell out—which they usually do (her $18 bookmarks sold out in minutes)—her "lifestyle mogul" era is officially here.
- Expect a PR Blitz: With Sunshine Sachs back in the mix, expect more "organic" appearances, like the recent Gayle King chat, rather than formal royal-style engagements.
The Sussexes aren't playing the royal game anymore. They’re playing the Hollywood-mogul-meets-global-activist game. Whether it’s working is still up for debate, but in 2026, they are definitely making sure you're still watching.
Next Steps: You can track the official trademark filings for "As Ever" to see exactly which product categories Meghan is entering next, or keep an eye on the UK High Court's daily cause list for the final judgment on the Sussex security case.