Meghan Markle is preparing to launch not one but two major projects—a Netflix series titled With Love, Meghan and a rebranded lifestyle venture called As Ever.
However, what makes this particularly intriguing is the mounting pressure from Netflix. The streaming giant is no longer simply handing out deals without expecting significant returns. When Meghan and Harry first secured their massive $100 million contract, the world was eager to see what kind of content they would produce. Fast forward to today, and the outcome is a lifestyle show centered around cooking, gardening, and entertaining tips. Considering Meghan’s access to royal traditions and history, this direction feels somewhat unexpected.
The timing of the show’s release is also revealing. Originally set to premiere on January 15, it was postponed to March 4 due to the wildfires in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Princess Catherine continues to recover with grace, focusing on her health and family without seeking public attention. The contrast between these two women and their public personas couldn’t be more striking.
Meghan’s rebranding efforts have also raised eyebrows. She initially introduced American Riviera Orchard, but apparently, that wasn’t quite the right fit. Now, she’s pivoted to As Ever—a name that, as it turns out, was already in use by a small family-run business in New York. A simple Google search could have prevented this oversight. Then there’s the branding itself, featuring palm trees and hummingbirds that bear an uncanny resemblance to a Spanish coat of arms. It’s as if this entire rollout is a masterclass in how not to launch a brand.
Royal historian Hugo Vickers accurately pointed out that Netflix is a business, not a charity. The company expects a return on its investment, and from years of covering the entertainment industry, one thing is clear—Netflix has little patience for underperforming content or talent. This raises an important question: what have Meghan and Harry actually delivered since signing their deal? So far, there’s been a documentary series rehashing grievances with the royal family, Harry’s mental health series, and now, a lifestyle show. Meanwhile, Prince William and Princess Catherine continue their meaningful initiatives, and King Charles and Queen Camilla remain dedicated to their royal duties. The contrast is becoming increasingly apparent.
The irony is hard to ignore—Meghan stepped away from royal life seeking greater freedom and control over her narrative, yet she now finds herself in a position where she must meet the expectations of Netflix executives and audiences to keep her media career afloat. It’s a classic case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire. The timing of the show’s release, coinciding with the launch of As Ever, suggests a strategy of throwing multiple projects at the wall in hopes that something sticks. But desperation is easy to detect, and when a brand or individual appears to be scrambling for success, the public takes notice.
Reactions to As Ever’s launch tell a clear story. Criticism isn’t coming out of nowhere—Meghan’s moves often feel rushed, inauthentic, and calculated rather than organic. This raises another question: where is Prince Harry in all of this? What role does he play in these new ventures? Once a beloved royal, he now seems relegated to a supporting role in Meghan’s pursuits. His transformation from a prominent figure within the monarchy to an auxiliary player in Meghan’s media career remains one of the most striking aspects of this ongoing saga.
Adding to the pressure, Netflix has yet to renew their deal. In the entertainment industry, when a partnership is truly valuable, contracts are extended well before they expire. The fact that reports of ultimatums and final chances are surfacing speaks volumes about how this arrangement has unfolded.
To put things in perspective, Netflix invested a staggering $100 million in Meghan and Harry’s content. That’s not a small sum—it’s a significant financial commitment. In return, the platform has received a handful of documentaries, mostly centered around royal grievances, and now, a lifestyle series that resembles something more suited to a YouTube influencer than a major streaming service. The pressure in Montecito must be immense. Meghan’s next project could very well determine the trajectory of her media career. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
This leads to an important question—what happens if these ventures fail? What is the backup plan? The couple has severed many ties, and while reconciliation with the royal family remains a theoretical possibility, it would require a major shift in approach and a willingness to repair the damage done. Whether that’s something they are prepared to do remains to be seen.
