If you’ve picked up a copy of People Magazine lately, you’ve probably noticed something different about how the Duchess of Sussex is being framed. It’s no longer just about the royal rift. Honestly, it’s about a woman trying to sell you a leather bookmark for $18 while navigating a massive corporate rebrand in real-time.
Meghan Markle has spent the last decade being one of the most scrutinized human beings on the planet. But as we move through 2026, the narrative has shifted from "Duchess in exile" to "Founder in the trenches." In a series of exclusive sit-downs and deep-access reports, People Magazine Meghan Markle coverage has revealed a version of her that seems remarkably unbothered by the old noise. She’s leaning into a new brand called As Ever, a name that replaced the somewhat clunky American Riviera Orchard earlier this year.
It’s a vibe shift.
The "As Ever" Overhaul and the People Magazine Connection
When Meghan first teased her lifestyle brand back in early 2024, the world got 50 jars of strawberry jam and a whole lot of questions. People wondered: is this a luxury brand? Is it a grocery line? Then came the trademark hiccups and the name change. By the time 2025 rolled into 2026, she’d settled on As Ever.
She told People Magazine that the name is a nod to how she used to sign off her lifestyle blog, The Tig. It’s a return to her roots. But it’s also a savvy business move. By moving away from the "American Riviera" title, she stopped limiting her products to things grown in Santa Barbara.
- The 2026 Launch: Her first big drop this year was a "Moment to Unwind" set.
- The Details: It includes sage honey with honeycomb and a leather bookmark that says "Fell asleep here" in her own calligraphy.
- The Price Point: $64 for the set. It sold out in hours.
The coverage in People Magazine Meghan Markle fans follow so closely isn't just fluff; it's a window into how she’s rebuilding her image as a "female founder" rather than just a former working royal. She’s even told reporters she doesn’t want to be called an "influencer." She’s aiming for something more like Martha Stewart—tangible, domestic, and very, very curated.
Why 2026 Feels Like 2016 for the Sussexes
There’s a strange nostalgia hanging over Montecito right now. Just a few days ago, Meghan shared a video on social media that went viral almost instantly. It was a black-and-white clip of her and Harry dancing in a field, filmed by their daughter, Princess Lilibet.
The caption read: "When 2026 feels just like 2016… you had to be there."
It’s a direct callback to the summer they met—that "honeymoon period" before the world knew who they were. According to People Magazine, Harry has been telling friends he’s "incredibly proud" of his wife’s new business success. He even made a cameo in her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, to give her a kiss and tell her she did a "great job" during a business brunch.
It feels like they are trying to reclaim their own story. For years, the headlines were dominated by court cases and family drama. Now, the People Magazine Meghan Markle exclusives are focused on her "learning curve" as an entrepreneur. She’s admitted to making mistakes. She’s acknowledged the website glitches and the supply chain issues. It makes her feel... sort of human.
The Security Question: Will She Go Back to the U.K.?
We can't talk about Meghan in 2026 without mentioning the "will she or won't she" return to England. People Magazine recently reported that a return might actually be on the cards for the summer of 2026.
The Invictus Games are coming to Birmingham in 2027, and the "one year to go" celebrations are happening this July. But there’s a catch. A big one. Security.
- The Legal Battle: Harry has been fighting the U.K. Home Office for years over taxpayer-funded security.
- The Recent Update: There are whispers that he might regain some level of protection, which would open the door for Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet to visit.
- The Last Visit: Meghan hasn't stepped foot in the U.K. since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022. That’s four years.
If she does go back, it’ll be the media event of the decade. But for now, she’s staying firmly planted in California, focusing on her kids and her jams.
💡 You might also like: Ken Osmond Net Worth: What Most People Get Wrong About Eddie Haskell
Behind the Scenes at Archewell Philanthropies
While the lifestyle brand gets the most clicks, the charitable side of their lives has also seen a massive reorganization. What used to be the Archewell Foundation has been restructured into "Archewell Philanthropies."
Basically, they moved their "Parents Network"—a group for families who have lost children to social media-related harms—to a nonprofit called ParentsTogether. It was a move designed for "operational capacity." Translation? They realized they couldn't run it all themselves.
Meghan and Harry told People Magazine they’re still involved, but the day-to-day is being handled by experts. This allows Meghan to spend more time on her creative projects. It’s all about boundaries. She recently told Harper’s Bazaar (and People echoed the sentiment) that she’s had to build "stronger boundaries" to survive the spotlight.
What We Can Learn From the "Meghan Method"
Whether you’re a fan or a critic, there’s no denying that the People Magazine Meghan Markle brand is a masterclass in resilience. She has survived a level of public vitriol that would have broken most people.
If you're looking to apply some of her 2026 energy to your own life or business, here are a few actionable takeaways:
📖 Related: Katie Piper Before Acid Burn: What Most People Get Wrong
- Embrace the Pivot: Don't be afraid to change your brand name or your focus if the first version isn't working. American Riviera Orchard was a mouthful; As Ever is a mood.
- Control Your Narrative: Use the platforms you have—like a trusted magazine or your own social media—to show the "behind-the-scenes" struggles, not just the highlights.
- Protect Your Time: You don't have to be everything to everyone. Restructuring a business to let experts handle the heavy lifting isn't a failure; it's a strategy.
- Focus on the Tangible: In a world of digital noise, there is immense value in "analog" items—like a handmade bookmark or a jar of honey. People crave things they can touch.
The current state of People Magazine Meghan Markle coverage shows a woman who has finally stopped trying to fit into a royal box. She's a mom, a wife, and a founder. And honestly? She seems much happier being a "female founder" in a sun-drenched Montecito kitchen than she ever did in a palace.
If you want to stay updated on her latest product drops or the upcoming security ruling in the U.K., keep an eye on the official Sussex website or the weekly People royals newsletter. The next six months are going to be pivotal for her brand's global expansion.