If you thought 2025 was loud for the Sussexes, January 2026 is already proving to be a total whirlwind. Honestly, it’s hard to keep up. One minute we’re hearing about trademark hiccups, and the next, there's a literal leather bookmark hitting the digital shelves.
The latest news about Meghan Markle isn't just about a single headline; it's about a massive, calculated shift in her public identity. She’s moving away from the "anti-royal rebel" narrative and leaning hard into a lifestyle space that feels like a mix of Martha Stewart and a California wellness retreat.
The "As Ever" Era: More Than Just a Rebrand
Remember American Riviera Orchard? That mouthful of a name is officially a thing of the past. After some back-and-forth with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office—and a few "teething problems" as the critics like to say—Meghan rebranded the whole venture to As Ever in early 2025.
Now, in January 2026, we’re seeing the first real fruits of that labor.
Just this morning, the brand dropped its first major release of the year: a "Moment to Unwind" set. It’s a curated bundle featuring a leather bookmark (which she reportedly designed herself), some honey, and peppermint tea. It’s a vibe. But it’s also a business test.
Word on the street—and from actual insiders—is that 2026 is the year the Duchess moves beyond jam. We’re talking:
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- High-end homeware like lanterns and diffusers.
- A possible California Cabernet Sauvignon (she’s a fan of Tignanello, so a red wine makes total sense).
- An entire line of gardening tools and pet supplies.
It’s an ambitious list. Some PR experts, like Renae Smith, have pointed out that the brand can feel a bit "reactive." One day it’s biscuits, the next it’s bookmarks. To really win in 2026, the consensus is she needs to pick a lane—commerce, culture, or personal reinvention—and just stay there.
The Kitchen is the New Stage
Let's talk about the cookbook. This is probably the biggest piece of latest news about Meghan Markle right now.
It’s slated for an early 2026 release and is essentially a written companion to her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Reports suggest the book won't just be recipes; it’s going to be full of "tips and tricks" for hosting. Think single-skillet spaghetti and that rainbow-themed fruit salad that went viral.
But it wouldn't be a Sussex project without a little drama.
Critics are already pouncing. Some are questioning the "originality" of the recipes, while others, like columnist Lee Cohen, are predicting a flop, calling the aesthetic "unrelatable." There’s a real tension here. On one hand, you have fans who want to buy into the Montecito dream. On the other, you have a public that is increasingly vocal about "Markle fatigue."
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The UK Return: July 2026
This is the big one. The "will they, won't they" that actually has a date on the calendar.
Prince Harry is heading to Birmingham in July 2026 for a pre-Invictus Games event (the games themselves are in 2027). The shocker? Meghan is expected to join him. This would be her first visit to the UK since 2022.
It’s a massive deal.
There are whispers of "olive branches" being extended from the Palace. Specifically, reports have surfaced that King Charles might invite them to stay at Highgrove House in the Cotswolds. It’s secure, it’s private, and it’s a short drive from Birmingham.
But don't expect a perfect family reunion just yet. Insiders say the decision to return is "deeply emotional." For Meghan, the UK is tied to some of her most painful memories. For Harry, it’s about his kids knowing their grandfather. It’s a tug-of-war that is reportedly putting some real strain on their marriage.
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What’s Next for the Duchess?
Beyond the products and the travel, Meghan is still leaning into her "Confessions of a Female Founder" podcast with Lemonada Media. The show has been a space for her to talk about the "twists and turns" of building As Ever in real-time.
She’s being surprisingly candid about the mistakes. The website glitches, the trademark denials, the pivot from one product to another—it’s all being used as content.
So, what should you actually look for in the coming months?
- The Product Shift: Expect the "crepe kits" and "biscuit mixes" to disappear. The brand is moving toward "quiet luxury" homeware and wine.
- The Security Verdict: A lot of the July travel plans hinge on Harry’s ongoing security review in the UK. If that gets cleared this month, the UK trip is a go.
- The Book Launch: Keep an eye out for the official title of the cookbook. It’s expected to be the centerpiece of her spring marketing blitz.
The latest news about Meghan Markle shows a woman trying to build a legacy that doesn't rely solely on royal titles. Whether the public is ready to buy a bookmark from a Duchess is the $100 million question for 2026.
Actionable Insights for Following the Story:
- Check the Trademark Filings: If you want to know what As Ever is launching next, look at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filings under "American Riviera Orchard"—that’s where the "pet supplies" and "tabletop" rumors started.
- Monitor the Invictus Timeline: The Birmingham event in July is the bellwether for the couple's relationship with the Royal Family. Any confirmation of a Highgrove stay will be the ultimate sign of a thaw in relations.
- Follow the Podcast Drops: Meghan's Lemonada podcast is currently the only place where she gives "unfiltered" (or as unfiltered as it gets) updates on her business hurdles.