If you’ve been following the whirlwind that is the Duchess of Sussex, you know the cycle by now. One week it’s radio silence from Montecito, and the next, there’s a flood of headlines about jam, Netflix deals, and whether she’s finally going to step foot back on British soil. Honestly, keeping up with the latest news about Meghan Markle feels like a full-time job.
2026 is already proving to be a massive pivot point. We aren’t just talking about another podcast or a red-carpet appearance. We’re seeing a total brand overhaul and some very real, very high-stakes family negotiations.
The "As Ever" Pivot: Why American Riviera Orchard Disappeared
Remember American Riviera Orchard? That name was everywhere last year. We saw the jars of strawberry jam numbered 1 to 50, the soft-focus Instagram videos, and the heavy anticipation of a lifestyle empire. Well, things shifted.
Apparently, a trademark struggle made the original name a bit of a headache. Meghan didn't just tweak it; she rebranded the whole thing to As Ever. It’s a callback to how she used to sign off her old blog, The Tig. It feels more personal, kinda like she's trying to reclaim that 2014 energy.
Just this week, on January 13, 2026, she dropped the first products of the year. It wasn't more jam. Instead, she released a "Moment to Unwind" bundle. It included:
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- A limited-edition leather bookmark with gold calligraphy (designed by Meghan herself).
- Peppermint tea.
- Sage honey with an actual honeycomb inside.
The bookmark sold out in hours. Say what you want about the Sussexes, but the woman knows how to move product. Critics are already calling it "small batch" confusion, but for the fans, it’s a direct line to her aesthetic.
That Viral "2016 vs 2026" Moment
Social media went a bit crazy on Friday when Meghan jumped on the "2016 Trend." You’ve seen it—people comparing their lives ten years ago to now. She shared a black-and-white clip of her and Harry dancing, and here’s the kicker: it was filmed by Princess Lilibet.
The caption was simple: "When 2026 feels just like 2016… you had to be there." It also included a throwback photo of their famous third date in Botswana. It was a rare, intimate look that felt less like a PR stunt and more like a genuine family moment. Lilibet is four now, Archie is six. They’re growing up fast, and Meghan seems more comfortable letting them be (slightly) part of her digital world.
Is a UK Return Actually Happening?
This is the big one. The question that won't go away. For years, the security issue was the wall that kept Meghan away from England. Harry was adamant that without police protection, it wasn't safe to bring his family back.
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But the landscape has changed. Recent reports from RAVEC (the committee that decides UK security) suggest Harry’s protection might be reinstated under specific conditions. Because of this, rumors are flying that the whole family might travel to Birmingham this summer for an Invictus Games countdown event.
The Highgrove Olive Branch
In a move nobody saw coming, King Charles has reportedly offered Highgrove House as a place for them to stay. Highgrove is the King’s private country home—it’s not a drafty palace. It’s a gesture. Whether Meghan accepts is a different story.
Public opinion in the UK is still… complicated. A YouGov poll from mid-January 2026 shows her positivity rating at about 19%. That’s a tough room to walk into. If she does go back, it’s a high-risk move for her brand. But it’s also the only way to heal the rift.
The Netflix Strategy: First-Look and "The Wedding Date"
The $100 million deal of 2020 is gone. It wasn't renewed in its original form, which caused a lot of "grifter" headlines. But the news about Meghan Markle and her Hollywood career isn't over.
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Netflix and Archewell have transitioned to a "first-look" deal. It’s less restrictive. They are currently producing an adaptation of the bestselling novel The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory. It’s a rom-com, which is right in Meghan's wheelhouse.
Why the Shift Matters
- Lower Pressure: They don't have to churn out content to justify a massive upfront payment.
- Brand Integration: Netflix is now a partner in the "As Ever" lifestyle brand. Expect to see those tea sets and bookmarks featured heavily in her upcoming cooking and gardening show.
- Acting Return? She actually made a tiny cameo as herself in the Amazon MGM film Close Personal Friends recently. It wasn't a lead role, but she looked relaxed. She’s dipping her toes back in.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Split"
You’ve probably seen the "professional separation" headlines. People think because Harry is doing solo trips for charity and Meghan is doing lifestyle launches, they are drifting apart.
Basically, they’re just diversifying. Harry is focusing on the legal battles and the Invictus Games. Meghan is building a business that doesn't rely on being a "Royal." It’s a smart move for long-term survival. They can’t be the "Ex-Royals" forever; they need to be the "Sussexes" as a global brand.
What’s Next for You as a Follower?
If you're trying to keep up with the news about Meghan Markle, look past the tabloid drama. Watch the "As Ever" website for the next drop, as they tend to happen without much warning. If you’re in the UK, keep an eye on the Birmingham Invictus announcements for July. That will be the definitive moment that tells us if the family rift is truly mending or if the Atlantic Ocean is a permanent barrier.
Check the official Archewell Philanthropies site for their 2026 "Global Mission" updates. They’ve hinted at overseas trips that include the children this time. It’s a new era of visibility for the Sussex family, moving from "hiding" to "intentional presence." Keep your eyes on the product launches; they are the most reliable indicator of where her focus lies.