Meghan Markle, the ambitious former actress, is preparing to launch two major projects: a Netflix series titled With Love, Meghan and her newly rebranded lifestyle venture.
However, what makes this particularly intriguing is the mounting pressure from Netflix. The streaming giant is no longer willing to take risks, and expectations are higher than ever. When Harry and Meghan first signed their massive $100 million Netflix deal, there was widespread curiosity about the type of content they would produce. Fast forward to today, and we are looking at a show focused on cooking, gardening, and hosting tips. This is coming from a woman who married into the British royal family, gaining access to centuries of tradition and history, yet this is what she chooses to present?
The timing of this release is equally fascinating. Originally set to premiere on January 15th, the show was delayed until March 4th due to the wildfires in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Princess Catherine has been quietly recovering with dignity and grace, prioritizing her health and family without any need for public attention. The contrast between these two women could not be more stark.
Meghan's rebranding efforts have also been met with skepticism. Initially, there was American Riviera Orchard—a name that suggested exclusivity and prestige. Now, the venture has suddenly been renamed As Ever, a name already in use by a small family business in New York. One has to wonder: did no one on her team conduct a simple Google search before settling on this name? Then there's the logo, featuring palm trees and hummingbirds, which bears an uncanny resemblance to a Spanish coat of arms. The entire branding process has played out like a textbook example of how not to launch a business.
Royal biographer Hugo Vickers summed it up perfectly when he pointed out that Netflix is a business, not a charity. The company expects a return on its investment and has little patience for underperforming talent. Since signing their lucrative deal, what have Harry and Meghan actually delivered? A documentary series in which they once again aired grievances about the royal family, a mental health series spearheaded by Harry, and now, lifestyle content. In the meantime, Prince William and Princess Catherine have continued their meaningful work, while King Charles and Queen Camilla remain steadfast in their service to the nation. The disparity becomes more glaring with each passing day.
There is a deep irony in all of this. Meghan left the royal family seeking greater freedom and control over her own narrative, yet she now finds herself in a position where she must satisfy Netflix executives and an increasingly skeptical audience to keep her career afloat. In many ways, she has traded one form of obligation for another, moving from the rigid traditions of royalty to the relentless demands of Hollywood.
Adding another layer to this situation is the strategic timing of With Love, Meghan’s release, coinciding almost exactly with the launch of As Ever. It seems like a desperate attempt to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. The problem with this approach is that audiences can easily detect inauthenticity and panic. The lukewarm reception to As Ever’s unveiling speaks volumes—criticism isn't simply coming from detractors looking to attack Meghan. Rather, people are reacting to a brand rollout that appears rushed, lacking in originality, and, quite frankly, desperate.
Prince Harry's role in all of this also raises questions. Where is he in these new ventures? Has he become little more than a background character in The Meghan Show? His transformation from a beloved prince to a secondary figure in his wife’s American ambitions remains one of the most tragic elements of this entire saga.
Adding to the uncertainty, Netflix has yet to renew their deal. In the entertainment industry, when talent is truly valuable, companies secure them early—they don’t wait until the last minute. Reports of ultimatums and final chances strongly suggest that this partnership has not been as successful as initially hoped.
To put things in perspective, Netflix reportedly invested $100 million in the Sussexes' content. That’s a serious financial commitment, yet what has the company received in return? A handful of documentaries that primarily served as platforms for airing royal grievances and now a lifestyle show that feels more suited to a personal YouTube channel than a major streaming service. With so much at stake, the pressure in Montecito must be immense. Meghan’s next project could determine the future of her media career, making this a make-or-break moment.
This also begs the question: what happens if this venture doesn’t succeed? What is the backup plan? Harry and Meghan have burned many bridges, and while the royal family may still be open to reconciliation, it would require a significant change in approach and a great deal of humility.
Watching this unfold has only reinforced the concerns that royal watchers have been voicing for years. Many warned that the Sussexes were exchanging long-term stability for fleeting celebrity status, that their reliance on media-driven narratives was risky, and that the fickle nature of Hollywood is no match for the enduring legacy of the monarchy. Now, those warnings seem more prescient than ever.
