Everything is different now. Or maybe it’s exactly the same, just with more expensive honey and a lot more lawyers. If you’ve been following Meghan Markle with Harry over the last few years, you know the vibe shifted from "royal rebels" to "lifestyle moguls" faster than a Montecito wildfire.
And honestly? It’s kind of a lot to keep track of.
We aren't just talking about a couple of podcasts and a Netflix deal anymore. By early 2026, the Sussex brand has undergone a massive, slightly chaotic overhaul. People used to wonder if they’d ever come back to the UK. Now, they’re wondering if the new brand, As Ever, can actually survive the "doom loop" of hype and disappointment that some critics keep shouting about.
The Rebrand: From American Riviera Orchard to As Ever
Let's be real—the name "American Riviera Orchard" was a mouthful.
Meghan apparently thought so too, because by the time 2026 rolled around, the brand had pivoted to As Ever. Why? Trademark issues, mostly. But also a realization that being tied to just one geographic location (Santa Barbara) was limiting for a global empire.
The first big drop of 2026? A leather bookmark.
Seriously.
It’s black leather, says "fell asleep here" in Meghan’s own signature calligraphy, and it sold out in minutes. It was part of an "unwind set" that included sage honey and peppermint tea.
Here is the weird part: The bookmark was made in the UK.
Some see that as a "nod" to their old life. Others see it as a savvy business move because British craftsmanship still carries a certain weight in the luxury market. Whatever the reason, the "unwind set" went for about £47 (roughly $60), proving that people will still pay a premium for the Sussex aesthetic.
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The Business Reality
While the products are flying off the shelves, the internal team is a bit of a revolving door.
- Meredith Maines (Chief Communications Officer) left after just 10 months.
- James Holt (Executive Director of Archewell Philanthropies) stepped down but stayed on as an advisor.
- Meghan ended up rehiring Sunshine Sachs, the PR firm she used back in her Suits days.
It feels like a "back to basics" move. When your 11th publicist in five years walks out the door, you go back to the people who knew you before the tiaras.
Prince Harry’s 2026: Fire Stations and Courtrooms
While Meghan is leaning into the "breadwinner" role with lifestyle products and her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, Harry is doing something different. He’s spent the start of 2026 focusing on very "boots on the ground" California issues.
Specifically, wildfires.
He’s been visiting fire stations in Santa Barbara, partnering with an app called Watch Duty to provide real-time alerts. It’s a far cry from cutting ribbons at a garden party in London. He looks comfortable. He’s in a fleece, talking to guys in high-vis vests about thermal search-and-rescue drones.
But the "royal" shadow is always there.
Harry is still entangled in a massive legal battle with Associated Newspapers. He’s expected in a London courtroom later this month. It’s a messy, expensive, and deeply personal fight that keeps him tethered to the UK, whether he likes it or not.
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The Big Question: Will They Return to the UK?
Everyone asks this.
The answer in 2026 is: Maybe, but only if the "fortress" is ready.
There is a huge "One Year to Go" event for the Invictus Games happening in Birmingham this summer. The Games themselves are slated for 2027, but the countdown is a big deal.
The rumor mill is spinning that Meghan might actually join him this time. But—and it’s a big "but"—it all hinges on security. There are reports that she won't step foot on British soil without taxpayer-funded police protection. We’re talking 24/7 drivers and a police escort.
If the security is sorted, we might see Archie (now 6) and Lilibet (now 4) reunite with King Charles. It’s the ultimate olive branch. Or the ultimate PR masterstroke. Take your pick.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Sussexes
People love to pick a side. You’re either "Team Sussex" or "Team Palace."
But the reality is much more nuanced.
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- They aren't "broke." Despite the "doom loop" headlines, the data suggests otherwise. One website glitch reportedly showed they had over 130,000 units of jam in stock after an initial order of a million. If those numbers are even close to accurate, they’ve cleared over £25 million on fruit spread alone.
- They aren't "doing nothing." The Archewell Foundation rebranded to Archewell Philanthropies. They’ve moved to a "fiscal sponsorship" model. Basically, they find cool ideas (like the Parents Network), fund them, and then hand them off to bigger nonprofits to run. It's smart. It keeps their overhead low while keeping their names on the "impact" reports.
- The "split" is professional, not personal. You’ll see headlines about "separate lives" because Harry is at a fire station and Meghan is at a photo shoot. In reality, they are diversifying. Harry does the "duty" and "service" side; Meghan does the "commerce" and "content" side.
Why Meghan Markle with Harry Still Matters
Love them or hate them, they changed the blueprint.
They proved you can leave the most famous family in the world and still be the most talked-about people on the planet. But 2026 is the "prove it" year. The novelty of the "royal exit" has worn off. Now, the products have to be good. The charities have to show results. The Netflix shows have to actually get renewed.
Meghan herself admitted that she’s "testing out" new formats. She’s moving away from 30-minute TV episodes and looking at two-minute recipe clips. She knows the audience's attention span is shrinking.
Actionable Insights for Following the Sussexes in 2026
If you want to keep up without falling for the clickbait, keep an eye on these specific markers:
- The Trademark Office: Watch the "As Ever" filings. If they start filing for wines and homeware, a massive expansion is coming.
- The High Court: Harry’s legal wins (or losses) will dictate how much he trusts the UK government moving forward.
- The Invictus Countdown: If Meghan shows up in Birmingham this summer, it’s a signal that a full family reconciliation—or at least a ceasefire—is in play.
- Netflix Ratings: With Love, Meghan needs to stay in the Top 10 for them to keep that massive production deal.
They aren't going anywhere. They’re just evolving. Whether that evolution leads to a global lifestyle empire or a quiet life in Montecito depends entirely on how this summer in the UK goes. Keep your eyes on the security updates; they tell the real story.
Next Steps:
To stay ahead of the curve, you should track the official Archewell Philanthropies impact reports and the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 announcements, as these will be the first places where concrete travel dates and project launches are confirmed before they hit the tabloid cycle.