If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you know the vibe around Meghan Markle is... complicated. One day she’s the "Duchess of Difficult," and the next she’s a visionary female founder. Honestly, it’s hard to keep up. But as we settle into 2026, the noise is finally shifting from royal drama to actual business.
The Duchess of Sussex is no longer just "Harry’s wife" or a former TV star. She’s effectively transformed into a lifestyle mogul, and the data shows it’s sticking. While the British tabloids were busy dissecting her curtsy, Meghan was quietly building an empire that looks a lot more like Martha Stewart than Princess Diana.
What Most People Get Wrong About "As Ever"
Remember American Riviera Orchard? That name was everywhere in early 2024. Then, suddenly, it was gone. Most people thought it flopped or was just another "Sussex project" that didn't go anywhere.
That's not what happened.
The brand rebranded to As Ever in early 2025 after some trademark hurdles. It wasn't a failure; it was a pivot. Meghan basically went back to her roots. If you followed her blog, The Tig, back in 2014, you know this is her "love language." She loves the high-low mix—expensive linens paired with a $15 jar of jam.
The 2026 Strategy
Just this month, she dropped a limited-edition leather bookmark. It’s handmade in the UK, which is a subtle, almost cheeky nod to her past life. It’s stamped with "Fell asleep here" in her own calligraphy.
- The Price Point: $18.
- The Vibe: Quiet luxury for people who read actual books.
- The Result: It sold out in hours.
This is the "Meghan Effect" in real-time. She isn't trying to sell to everyone anymore. She’s selling to a specific, loyal demographic that values "thoughtful living."
Why the Netflix Pivot Matters
For a while, the word was that Netflix was "done" with the Sussexes. The Polo documentary didn't exactly break the internet. It was a bit niche. People called it "tedious."
But then came With Love, Meghan.
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It’s an eight-episode series that feels like a warm hug or a high-end Pinterest board. She isn't talking about the Royal Family. She isn't crying in a garden. She’s just... cooking. She’s harvesting honey with Mindy Kaling and showing people how to make a "single skillet spaghetti."
Critics called it "out of touch." They said it was a "curated privilege." Maybe. But the numbers don't lie. People are watching because they want to see the house in Montecito. They want the recipes. The show has become a massive vehicle for her As Ever products. When she uses a specific sage honey on screen, that honey sells out on her website ten minutes later.
The Archewell Evolution: From Foundation to "Philanthropies"
Behind the scenes, the charitable arm has changed too. It’s now Archewell Philanthropies.
This isn't just a name change. They’ve moved to a "fiscal sponsorship model." Basically, they’re acting more like an incubator now. They take a project—like the Parents Network, which supports families affected by online harm—and they build it up until it can stand on its own.
In early 2026, they officially handed the Parents Network over to an independent nonprofit called ParentsTogether. They gave them the systems, the branding, and a huge cash grant to cover the first year. It’s a smarter way to do charity. It’s less about Meghan and Harry being the "face" of everything and more about actual longevity.
Real Impact vs. Public Perception
- The Screen Memorial: In 2025, they unveiled an installation in NYC with 50 smartphones showing the lock screens of children lost to social media-driven tragedies.
- The Community Kitchen: We’ve seen Archie and Lilibet helping out at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles.
- Digital Wellness: They’re currently working with authors like Jonathan Haidt to tackle "digital overconsumption" in kids.
Is She Really "Difficult"?
The "Duchess Difficult" narrative hasn't gone away, but it’s becoming more nuanced. Former staff members have described her as "high energy" and someone who "sends 5 AM emails."
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To some, that’s a toxic boss. To others, that’s just a founder who’s obsessed with her brand.
There’s a clear divide in how she’s perceived. Her friends, like Mindy Kaling, swear she’s "down-to-earth" and not "fussy." Meanwhile, certain royal commentators in the UK still mock her every move. The reality? It’s probably somewhere in the middle. She’s a perfectionist. And in the world of high-stakes lifestyle branding, being "difficult" is often just another word for "driven."
What’s Next for the Duchess?
If you’re waiting for a tell-all book about King Charles, you might be waiting a long time. 2026 is about the "tangible side" of her portfolio.
Expect a full cookbook later this year. We’re talking "rainbow-themed fruit salads" and "marmalades." There are also rumors of her moving into the fashion space. She’s already hinted at it in interviews, saying she wants to explore "different verticals" that come from the "love story of your home."
She’s basically building a world where she doesn't need the Royal Family for relevance. She has her own revenue streams, her own production house, and a brand that exists independently of a title.
How to Get the "Meghan Look" Without the Price Tag
If you’re looking to incorporate some of that Sussex style into your life, you don't actually need to buy the $30 bottles of wine from her site.
- Monochrome is King: She almost always sticks to a neutral palette—creams, beiges, and navy. It makes everything look more expensive.
- The "Slow" Morning: Her brand is built on the idea of "A Moment to Unwind." Think herbal tea, a good book, and no screens for the first hour of the day.
- Personalized Touches: Meghan is big on calligraphy. A handwritten note or a simple stamped bookmark (even a DIY version) goes a long way in making a house feel like a "home."
The Meghan Markle of 2026 isn't a victim or a villain. She’s an entrepreneur. Whether you like her or not, she’s successfully pivoted from royal drama to a sustainable, commercial lifestyle brand. And honestly? That’s a lot harder than it looks.
Actionable Insight: If you're following the As Ever brand, keep an eye on the "limited drops." Meghan is using a scarcity model—releasing small batches of high-quality items—which keeps her brand feeling exclusive while ensuring her inventory doesn't sit in a warehouse. This is a classic "drop culture" tactic used by streetwear brands, now applied to organic honey and leather bookmarks.