Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is currently focusing on the 2026 global expansion of her lifestyle brand, As Ever (formerly American Riviera Orchard), while navigating a period of significant professional transition. Recent reports from February 2026 highlight a strategic pivot toward digital entrepreneurship following high-profile staff departures at Archewell Philanthropies and a shift in her multi-year partnership with Netflix. While her media presence remains strong through independent documentary production and public appearances at events like the Sundance Film Festival and NBA All-Star games, her primary business objective for the current year is establishing a foothold in the international home goods and luxury food markets.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the latest developments regarding Meghan’s business rebranding, her upcoming 2026 Netflix projects, the restructuring of the Archewell Foundation, and rare updates on her family life with Prince Harry, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet in Montecito.
As Ever Brand Launch 2026
Meghan Markle has officially transitioned her lifestyle venture from its original title, American Riviera Orchard, to the more streamlined brand name As Ever. This rebranding, finalized in early 2026, was reportedly motivated by a desire for a broader identity that wasn’t limited to the geography of Santa Barbara.
The brand’s 2026 strategy includes a “Valentine’s Day Blitz” that introduced high-end fruit spreads, herbal teas, and “flower sprinkles.” To support global growth, Meghan is currently working to enable international shipping to the UK, Europe, and Asia, signaling a move to compete directly with established luxury lifestyle brands.
NBA All-Star Appearance
In mid-February 2026, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a viral public appearance at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, for an NBA game. The couple was photographed in premium courtside seats sitting next to entertainment icon Queen Latifah.
The outing was noted for its relaxed atmosphere, with the Duchess sporting an all-black ensemble while chatting and laughing with Latifah’s family. This appearance served to reinforce Meghan’s status in the Los Angeles social circuit amidst ongoing speculation regarding her Hollywood standing.
Sundance Film Festival 2026
The Duchess of Sussex attended the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in January to premiere the documentary “Cookie Queens,” for which she and Prince Harry served as executive producers. The film follows the competitive world of Girl Scouts during their annual cookie-selling season.
Despite receiving a standing ovation and positive reviews for its storytelling, reports emerged in February that the documentary has yet to secure a major distribution deal. This “distribution gap” has led industry analysts to scrutinize the commercial viability of niche documentary projects produced under the Archewell banner.
Archewell Philanthropies Restructuring
The Archewell Foundation has undergone a major rebranding to Archewell Philanthropies in early 2026, coinciding with a shift to a fiscal sponsorship model. This structural change follows the departure of long-time aides, including Executive Director James Holt and chief publicist Meredith Maines.
While James Holt will continue to serve as a philanthropic advisor from the UK, the “staff exodus” has sparked discussion about the foundation’s future scale. Financial reports from the previous year showed a decline in total donations, prompting a leaner, more focused approach to their charitable initiatives for the 2026 fiscal year.
Netflix Partnership Updates
Meghan’s relationship with Netflix has moved into a “first-look” phase as of 2026, focusing on scripted content and specific specials rather than a broad multi-series deal. Current projects in development include two romantic comedies: an adaptation of “The Wedding Date” by Jasmine Guillory and “Meet Me at the Lake“ by Carley Fortune.
While her previous lifestyle series will not be returning for a third season, Netflix remains a partner in her business ventures. This pivot allows the Duchess to focus on producing high-quality feature films and holiday specials that align with her interest in “feel-good” storytelling.
Princess Lilibet Rare Photo
To mark Valentine’s Day 2026, Meghan shared a rare, candid photograph of her daughter, Princess Lilibet, on social media. The image depicted Prince Harry cradling the four-year-old in a grassy field, with Lilibet holding red balloons at sunset.
The post, captioned “These two + Archie = my forever Valentines,” provided the clearest public glimpse of Lilibet to date. This controlled sharing of family moments continues to be the couple’s preferred method for balancing their children’s privacy with public interest.
Global Shipping Expansion
A major goal for Meghan in 2026 is the expansion of As Ever products into the United Kingdom and Asian markets. Currently, the brand’s offerings, which include honey, shortbread mixes, and home goods, are primarily available within the United States.
Industry sources suggest that Meghan is particularly interested in capturing a portion of the UK luxury preserve market. The logistics for this expansion are reportedly being finalized, with a target launch date for international orders expected by the second half of 2026.
“Cookie Queens” Creative Vision
During her introduction of “Cookie Queens” at Sundance, Meghan reflected on her own history as a former Girl Scout. She praised the film’s director, Alysa Nahmias, for capturing the “ambition and teamwork” inherent in young girls’ lives.
The documentary is a departure from the couple’s previous biographical content, focusing instead on external subjects. Although the film’s distribution remains in negotiation, it marks a significant step in Meghan’s evolution as a behind-the-scenes creative executive.
Recent Staff Transitions
The departure of nearly 25 staff members since 2020 has been a recurring theme in news coverage surrounding the Duchess. In February 2026, the exit of Meredith Maines after only 10 months in the role of publicist added to these discussions.
Insiders suggest that the high turnover is a result of the high-pressure environment of a fast-moving startup brand. Meghan has addressed these challenges indirectly, stating in recent interviews that there is “no such thing as perfect” when navigating the growth of a new company.
Rare Glimpse of Princess Lilibet
On February 14, 2026, Meghan Markle shared a rare and candid photograph of her four-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet, to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The image shows Prince Harry smiling as he cradles Lilibet in a grassy field at sunset, with the young royal clutching a set of red balloons.
The post, captioned “These two + Archie = my forever Valentines,” marked a significant departure from the couple’s usual privacy protocols. Royal observers noted that this is the clearest public view of Lilibet’s face since her birth in 2021, showcasing her growth as she nears her fifth birthday.
NBA All-Star Game Appearance
Meghan and Harry made a high-profile appearance at the 75th NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles on February 15, 2026. Seated courtside at the newly opened Intuit Dome, the couple appeared relaxed and affectionate, effectively quieting recent tabloid speculation regarding their relationship.
During the game, the Duchess was seen chatting warmly with Queen Latifah and laughing with Prince Harry as he attempted to explain the complexities of the basketball rules. Meghan opted for a sophisticated, “quiet luxury” aesthetic, wearing a navy sweater and matching tailored trousers, which immediately trended across fashion platforms.
“As Ever” Brand Expansion 2026
The Duchess of Sussex has identified 2026 as the “year of global reach” for her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Following a successful initial launch of home goods and artisanal jams in the United States, plans are now underway to establish a distribution hub in the United Kingdom.
Reports indicate that Meghan intends to “dominate the UK jam market” by offering premium, organic preserves that reflect her California lifestyle. The brand’s recent Valentine’s Day collection sold out within hours, signaling strong consumer demand despite ongoing critical scrutiny from some media outlets.
Netflix and “Cookie Queens” Documentary
Meghan’s production partnership with Netflix remains a core pillar of her professional identity, with the documentary Cookie Queens recently premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. The film follows the competitive world of Girl Scout cookie sales, exploring themes of female ambition and entrepreneurial spirit among young girls.
While the documentary received a standing ovation at its premiere, industry insiders have noted a cautious market for distribution deals in early 2026. Archewell Productions is reportedly in talks with several international broadcasters to ensure the film reaches a global audience beyond the Netflix platform.
The “Blue Shirt” Fashion Trend
In early 2026, Meghan Markle inadvertently sparked a global fashion trend centered on the classic blue button-down shirt. After being seen in a linen version from the London-based label With Nothing Underneath (WNU), sales for similar styles skyrocketed across both luxury and high-street retailers.
This “Meghan Effect” coincided with a similar fashion choice by the Princess of Wales, marking a rare moment of sartorial overlap between the two royal figures. Fashion critics have dubbed this look the “Status Symbol of 2026,” praising its blend of professional polish and effortless California ease.
Advocacy and Online Safeguarding
Beyond her commercial ventures, Meghan continues to champion the Jools’ Law campaign in the UK, which advocates for stricter online safeguarding for children. In February 2026, she issued a statement praising the UK Government’s latest legislative changes aimed at protecting teenagers from digital harm.
This advocacy work is deeply personal for the Duchess, who has frequently spoken about the impact of social media toxicity on mental health. Her involvement with the Archewell Foundation continues to focus on creating safer digital spaces for the next generation, particularly through partnerships with Silicon Valley tech leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meghan Markle’s new brand called?
As of 2026, her brand is officially named As Ever, having rebranded from the original title of American Riviera Orchard to allow for broader international appeal and product variety.
Is Meghan Markle still working with Netflix?
Yes, she maintains a “first-look” production deal with Netflix. Her current 2026 projects focus on adapting bestselling romance novels into feature films, such as The Wedding Date and Meet Me at the Lake.
Where can I buy Meghan Markle’s jam?
The jams are sold exclusively through the As Ever website. They are released in limited batches and often require joining a digital waitlist to secure a purchase.
Why did Meghan change the name of her brand?
The name change to “As Ever” was intended to move away from the geographically specific “American Riviera” (a nickname for Santa Barbara) to a more versatile name that supports global scaling and diverse product categories.
Is Meghan Markle returning to acting in 2026?
There are no confirmed plans for Meghan to return to traditional acting roles. She is currently focusing her professional energy on her lifestyle brand and her role as an executive producer at Archewell Productions.
What was Meghan’s latest public appearance?
Her most recent high-profile appearance was at an NBA All-Star game in February 2026 at the Intuit Dome, where she was seen sitting courtside with Prince Harry and Queen Latifah.
What is the “Cookie Queens” documentary about?
Produced by Meghan and Harry, the documentary follows four Girl Scouts during the high-stakes cookie-selling season, exploring themes of friendship, competition, and female ambition.
Final Thoughts
As of February 2026, Meghan Markle is navigating a pivotal year defined by a transition from traditional media stardom to independent digital entrepreneurship. By consolidating her business interests under the As Ever banner and focusing on high-concept scripted content for Netflix, the Duchess is positioning herself as a creative executive with a global reach. While her professional journey has faced challenges—including high-profile staff turnover and shifting streaming strategies—her recent public appearances at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game and Sundance suggest a continued ability to command the spotlight on her own terms.
The upcoming launch of international shipping for her lifestyle products will be the ultimate litmus test for the brand’s longevity. Whether she is producing heart-warming documentaries like Cookie Queens or expanding her line of luxury home goods, Meghan’s 2026 trajectory reflects a clear commitment to building a self-sustaining empire rooted in her personal values of family, community, and female empowerment.
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