In a development that has sent ripples through the entertainment and royal-watching worlds, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have experienced a significant setback in their post-royal media ambitions. Recent reports indicate that Netflix has ended its partnership with Markle’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, marking what some observers describe as a pivotal moment in the couple’s efforts to build an independent empire. This move comes amid broader challenges, including financial strains on their charitable organization, Archewell, and questions surrounding the commercial performance of Markle’s consumer products.
The partnership between Netflix and As Ever was established to support the launch of the brand in 2025, coinciding with the release of Markle’s lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan. The show, which aired for two seasons and included a holiday special, aimed to showcase Markle’s approach to elevating everyday moments through cooking, entertaining, and simple luxuries. It featured collaborations with celebrity friends and served as a promotional vehicle for As Ever’s initial offerings, such as jams, rose wine, flower sprinkles, and other home goods.
Netflix’s involvement provided not only financial backing but also a massive platform to introduce the brand to a global audience.
On March 6, 2026, both parties confirmed the end of this collaboration. A spokesperson for As Ever stated, “As Ever is grateful for Netflix’s partnership through launch and our first year. 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.” Netflix echoed this sentiment, noting that Markle’s vision inspired the brand’s creation and that the streamer was pleased to have helped bring it to life.
The company emphasized that the arrangement was always intended to be temporary, allowing the brand to transition to independent operations after its introductory phase.
This separation follows earlier adjustments to the Sussexes’ overall relationship with Netflix. The couple’s original multi-year deal, reportedly worth up to $100 million and signed in 2020, produced high-profile content including the documentary series Harry & Meghan, the polo-themed Polo, and With Love, Meghan. That agreement expired in 2025 without full renewal. Instead, Netflix shifted to a first-look deal with Archewell Productions, giving the streamer priority consideration for any film or television projects developed by the couple’s production company.
While this maintained some ties, recent reports suggest several proposed projects remain in development limbo, with industry sources describing them as stalled or facing uncertain futures.
The timing of the As Ever split has fueled speculation about underlying pressures. Critics and royal commentators have pointed to underwhelming viewership for With Love, Meghan in its later season, describing it as derivative of established lifestyle formats without delivering breakout success. Some experts have called the end of the partnership a “kiss of death” for potential future brand collaborations, arguing that the association with Netflix lent credibility and visibility that may now be harder to replicate independently.
Brand analyst Eric Schiffer remarked that the development represents “celebrity brand suicide in a cashmere apron,” highlighting the challenges Markle faces in transitioning from royal-adjacent fame to standalone entrepreneurial success.
Compounding these media hurdles are reported difficulties with Archewell, the couple’s philanthropic foundation. Originally launched as the Archewell Foundation after the Sussexes stepped back from royal duties in 2020, the organization focused on initiatives in mental health, community support, and global causes. In late 2025, it underwent a significant restructuring, rebranding as Archewell Philanthropies and shifting from direct program delivery to a fiscal sponsor model. This change involved staff reductions, with a spokesperson acknowledging that “some redundancies are inevitable” due to financial realities.
Financial disclosures for 2024 revealed a stark picture: expenses reached $5.1 million, while donations and incoming funds totaled around $2.1 million, resulting in a deficit of approximately $2.5 to $2.6 million. Grants distributed amounted to $1.25 million, and reserves stood at about $8.5 million earlier in the period, though concerns persist about long-term sustainability. Donations had declined from previous years, prompting questions about donor fatigue or shifting priorities. The restructuring aimed to streamline operations and focus resources more efficiently, but it has led to a leaner team and heightened scrutiny from media outlets and charity watchdogs.
Adding to the narrative of financial strain are reports concerning As Ever’s inventory challenges. A website glitch in early 2026 allegedly exposed stock levels, suggesting significant unsold product—estimated by some sources at around $23 million in value. This included large quantities of items like fruit spreads, with claims of over 137,000 units of certain boxes remaining. While the brand experienced sell-outs during initial limited releases, particularly of jams and wine sets priced from $30 upward, broader market reception appears mixed.
Critics have mocked the numbers as evidence of overproduction or misjudged demand, though representatives have emphasized rapid early growth and plans for expansion.
The Sussexes’ ventures reflect a broader ambition to forge a path independent of royal obligations, blending media production, philanthropy, and consumer goods. Supporters argue that these setbacks are part of any entrepreneurial journey, especially one navigating intense public scrutiny. Markle has spoken about learning curves in business, and the couple has continued other engagements, including upcoming travel for business and philanthropic purposes. Detractors, however, portray the situation as a “crumbling media empire,” where high expectations from the 2020 Netflix deal have not translated into sustained commercial or critical triumphs.
As Ever’s future now hinges on its ability to thrive without Netflix’s infrastructure. The brand plans to continue releasing products and building its customer base, with statements highlighting optimism for the year ahead. Meanwhile, the couple’s first-look arrangement with Netflix leaves the door open for potential future collaborations, though nothing appears imminent. Archewell Philanthropies, too, adapts to its new model, seeking to maintain impact despite reduced scale.
This chapter underscores the complexities of transitioning from institutional royalty to private enterprise in the glare of constant media attention. Whether the Sussexes can rebound—perhaps through new partnerships, refreshed content ideas, or refined business strategies—remains an open question. For now, the end of the Netflix-As Ever tie-up and ongoing charitable adjustments signal a period of recalibration, where promises of independence meet the unforgiving realities of market demands and public perception. The couple’s story continues to evolve, blending resilience with the harsh lessons of high-stakes ventures in a digital age. (Word count: 1523)