Let’s start with Meghan Markle’s latest ventures. She’s about to launch not one but two major projects: a Netflix show called With Love, Meghan and her rebranded lifestyle venture, As Ever. But here’s where it gets interesting—Netflix isn’t playing around anymore, and the pressure is on like never before.
Remember when Harry and Meghan first signed that massive $100 million Netflix deal? Everyone was wondering what kind of content they’d produce. Fast forward to now, and we’re looking at a show about cooking, gardening, and hosting tips. Really? This is from the woman who married into the British royal family, with access to centuries of tradition and history, and this is what we get?
The timing of this show’s release is particularly telling. It was supposed to launch on January 15th but got pushed back to March 4th due to the wildfires in LA. Meanwhile, Princess Catherine is recovering with dignity and grace, focusing on her health and family without any need for public attention. The contrast couldn’t be more striking.
Let’s talk about this rebranding mess. First, we had American Riviera Orchard—because apparently being a duchess wasn’t enough of a title. Now, suddenly, it’s As Ever. Guess what? That name’s already taken by a small family business in New York. Didn’t anyone on her team do a simple Google search?
And don’t even get me started on the logo with the palm trees and hummingbirds that looks suspiciously similar to a Spanish coat of arms. It’s like watching a masterclass in how not to launch a brand.
Hugo Vickers hit the nail on the head when he said, “Netflix wants value for money. They’re not a charity; they’re a business.” And let me tell you, from my years of covering the entertainment industry, Netflix isn’t known for its patience with underperforming shows or talents.
Think about it: what have Harry and Meghan really produced since signing that deal? We had the documentary series where they complained about the royal family (again), Harry’s mental health series, and now we’re getting lifestyle tips. Meanwhile, William and Catherine continue their meaningful work, and King Charles and Queen Camilla maintain their dignified service to the nation. The contrast just becomes more obvious by the day.
Here’s the irony: Meghan left the royal family claiming she wanted more freedom and control over her narrative. But now, she’s in a position where she has to please Netflix executives and viewers to keep her deals alive. Talk about jumping from the frying pan into the fire.
And can we talk about the timing of this show’s release? March 4th—right when As Ever is supposed to be launching. It’s like they’re throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. But here’s the thing about that strategy: when you’re desperate for something to work, people can smell it a mile away.
The reaction to the As Ever brand launch tells us everything we need to know about their current position. People aren’t just criticizing because they want to—though, let’s be honest, Meghan hasn’t exactly made it hard for critics. They’re criticizing because these moves feel inauthentic, rushed, and frankly, a bit desperate.
And let’s talk about Prince Harry in all this. Where is he? What’s his role in these new ventures? Has he been reduced to being a background character in “The Meghan Show”? The transformation of the once-beloved prince into a supporting player in his wife’s American adventures continues to be one of the saddest aspects of this whole saga.
Here’s the kicker: Netflix apparently hasn’t renewed their deal yet. In the entertainment industry, if you’re valuable, they lock you down early. They don’t wait until the last minute. The fact that we’re hearing about ultimatums and final chances speaks volumes about how this partnership has gone.
Let’s put this in perspective: Netflix paid a reported $100 million for the Sussexes’ content. That’s not pocket change—that’s serious investment money. And what have they gotten for it? A few documentaries that mainly served as platforms for airing royal grievances and now a lifestyle show that feels more like something you’d find on a lifestyle blogger’s YouTube channel than a major streaming platform.
The pressure must be enormous right now in Montecito. Imagine knowing that your next project could make or break your entire media career—that your $100 million deal hangs in the balance. That’s the reality Meghan’s facing right now. No wonder we’re seeing this frantic activity with the brand launch and show premiere.
And here’s something else to consider: what happens if this doesn’t work out? What’s Plan B? Because let’s be honest, they’ve burned a lot of bridges. The royal family’s door might still be open for reconciliation, but after everything that’s been said and done, it would take some serious humble pie-eating to make that happen.
