According to insiders, Netflix—which has invested significantly in the Sussexes’ media presence—is using the holiday special as a litmus test. “They are monitoring the Christmas Special to see if it picks up traction before committing to pop-ups, live events, or retail tie-ins,” shared a source close to the production team. This measured approach marks a notable shift from earlier, more aggressive promotional strategies tied to Meghan Markle’s name.
The Duchess of Sussex, who has increasingly leaned into the culinary and home-entertaining space, is preparing to launch her first adult cookbook in spring 2026. Tentatively titled under her As Ever banner, the book will include recipes like “single skillet spaghetti,” a vibrant “rainbow-themed fruit salad,” and her much-talked-about artisanal jams and marmalades. As ever, Meghan is weaving personal storytelling with practical hospitality—drawing directly from her Netflix series With Love, Meghan.
“Meghan Markle’s cookbook isn’t just about food—it’s an extension of her brand philosophy: warmth, simplicity, and intentionality,” the insider added. The publication will also feature hosting tips and table-setting ideas pulled straight from episodes of her show, further blurring the line between entertainment and lifestyle commerce.
While 2026 is shaping up to be another pivotal year for her entrepreneurial ambitions—with plans for expanded wine offerings and new homeware lines—Meghan Markle’s team is reportedly dialing back on niche products like her biscuit and crêpe kits. “They’re streamlining. The focus is on scalable, evergreen items that align with the As Ever aesthetic,” the source explained.
This recalibration comes amid heightened scrutiny of her public ventures. Royal News has learned that Netflix executives are particularly sensitive to public perception following mixed reactions to recent Sussex-led content. Hence, the decision to play it safe post-Christmas Special—a move that reflects broader industry caution around celebrity-driven IP without guaranteed ROI.
Notably, Meghan has repeatedly dismissed rumors of a memoir, telling Jamie Kern Lima in a past podcast episode, “I’ve got a lot more life to live before I’m there.” Instead, she’s doubling down on “hospitality, home, and entertaining”—areas where her brand feels authentic and, crucially, commercially viable.
And as ever, authenticity remains the cornerstone of her strategy. Yet in today’s volatile media landscape, even star power isn’t enough. Netflix knows this—and that’s why every new Meghan Markle’s initiative, from her Christmas Special to her cookbook, is now under a microscope.
For now, the streaming giant waits. The world watches. And Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand stands at the intersection of opportunity and overexposure—where one misstep could undo years of careful curation.
Royal News, Netflix, Plays It Safe, Meghan Markle’s, As Ever, Brand, and Christmas Special—these aren’t just keywords. They’re the pillars of a high-stakes narrative unfolding in real time. And as Royal News continues to track the evolution of this unique celebrity-commerce-entertainment hybrid, one truth remains: in the court of public opinion, as ever, perception is everything.
