Additional Coverage:
- Prince Harry, Meghan Markle urged to follow William, Kate’s winning playbook after Netflix collapse: expert (foxnews.com)
Meghan Markle’s Lifestyle Brand “As Ever” Parts Ways with Netflix, Raising Eyebrows in Hollywood
It appears the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, might be finding out that Hollywood isn’t quite as enamored with their royal glow as they once thought. Just six months after their production company, Archewell Productions, inked a multiyear “first-look” deal with Netflix for film and television projects, the streaming giant has decided to step back from Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand, “As Ever.”
This unexpected move has sparked considerable discussion among royal experts and industry insiders, leading many to question Meghan’s long-term credibility in the cutthroat entertainment world. Some even suggest it further dampens any prospects of a royal reconciliation.
“High-value partnerships are built on execution, not just vision or vibes,” explained Kinsey Schofield, a royal commentator. “A deal of that magnitude requires consistent delivery across formats, especially in a competitive streaming environment.”
Schofield emphasized that Hollywood is “results-driven,” and while initial curiosity can open doors, sustained success hinges on “consistent, bankable output.” She added, “There’s a difference between infamy and influence and I think Harry and Meghan fall under infamous.”
Representatives for Archewell have yet to comment on the development.
The couple initially joined forces with Netflix in 2020 in a reported $100 million deal. Their collaborations included the 2022 docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” “Live to Lead,” “Heart of Invictus” in 2023, and “Polo” in 2024. In July 2025, they transitioned from a full production deal to a “first-look” partnership.
A Netflix spokesperson addressed the separation last week, stating, “Meghan’s passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As Ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life.” The spokesperson added, “As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world.”
In a separate statement, Meghan’s “As Ever” brand expressed gratitude for Netflix’s “partnership through launch and our first year,” noting, “We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth, and As Ever is now ready to stand on its own. We have an exciting year ahead and can’t wait to share more.”
However, not everyone is convinced. Royal expert Hilary Fordwich suggested that the public has grown “weary and leery of their grievance-driven royal content.”
Fordwich further elaborated, “Now they are viewed as, which they are, separated from all things royal. Their track record of a failed brand is as bad as their plummeting poll numbers and dreadful viewership of each of their underwhelming failed ventures.”
“As Ever” launched in 2025, offering a range of lifestyle and home goods, including jams, honey, tea, wine, and candles. Its initial product launch in April reportedly sold out in under an hour, despite some consumers deeming the prices to be on the higher side.
The brand’s accompanying Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan,” which featured the Duchess sharing cooking, gardening, and hosting tips with celebrity friends, premiered in March 2025, with a second season and holiday special following later that year. While not officially canceled, there’s been no word on a third season.
Fordwich remarked that the lifestyle and home goods market is “a crowded space,” and “As Ever” was “received as disingenuous at best.” She also commented on Prince Harry’s public perception, stating, “Harry is viewed as commercially oriented, any trust in him at all is lacking.
Yet another loss of such a contract narrows further any options he has, so any outreaches to the family are viewed with even more skepticism. He needs the selling proposition and the family knows it.”
John McDermott, co-founder of Caloroga Shark Media and creator of the “Palace Intrigue” podcast, offered some advice for the former royals, suggesting they could learn from Prince William and Kate Middleton’s approach to media. “If anything, there’s a bit of a lesson in how William and Catherine handle things,” McDermott said.
“They feed the media just enough with a quick photo op of them pulling pints, throwing darts, petting a puppy, etc., and then they disappear again. It keeps the coverage positive without overexposing them.”
He concluded, “For Harry and Meghan, there may be something in that. Show up, look good, keep it positive.
Sometimes less really is more.”