Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are currently focused on a major professional pivot in 2026, highlighted by Meghan’s independent expansion of her lifestyle brand, “As Ever,” and the Duke’s upcoming return to the UK for the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 countdown. Following the early March 2026 announcement that Netflix would step back from Meghan’s lifestyle venture, the Duchess has taken full control of the brand, which features organic jams, teas, and home goods. Meanwhile, the couple remains tied to Netflix through Archewell Productions with several high-profile projects, including a scripted drama set in the world of professional polo and film adaptations like Meet Me at the Lake. As of April 2026, legal developments regarding Prince Harry’s UK security and his ongoing litigation against Associated Newspapers continue to dominate headlines, alongside rumors of a potential, though cautious, reconciliation with King Charles III.
In this comprehensive 2026 update, you will discover the status of the Sussexes’ multi-million dollar media deals, the latest developments in their philanthropic work through the Archewell Foundation, and a detailed look at their personal milestones with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. We also examine the “As Ever” brand launch, Harry’s legal battles in the High Court, and the logistics of their highly anticipated international appearances scheduled for the remainder of the year.
Meghan Markle’s “As Ever” Lifestyle Brand
Meghan Markle officially transitioned her lifestyle brand from its soft-launch title, American Riviera Orchard, to the permanent name “As Ever” in early 2025. The brand focuses on “the beauty of everyday living,” drawing inspiration from her former blog, The Tig, and her current life in Montecito.
In March 2026, it was confirmed that Netflix would no longer be a commercial partner in the brand, allowing Meghan to grow the company independently. The product line has expanded beyond its initial small-batch strawberry jams to include herbal teas, organic baking mixes, and a high-end line of home décor and garden tools.
Prince Harry’s 2026 UK Return
Prince Harry is scheduled to visit the United Kingdom in mid-2026 to mark the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. This visit is particularly significant as it represents the first time the Games will return to British soil since the inaugural event in London in 2014.
While in the UK, the Duke is also expected to attend events for WellChild, a charity for which he has been a patron for over 15 years. Discussions regarding his security arrangements remain a central point of negotiation with the UK Home Office and Ravec, as the Duke seeks guaranteed protection for himself and his family during these visits.
Archewell Productions: Netflix Slates for 2026
Despite rumors of a rift, Archewell Productions and Netflix confirmed a new slate of content in early 2026. The most anticipated project is a scripted polo drama set in Wellington, Florida, which aims to pull back the curtain on the social and competitive grit of the sport.
Additionally, production is moving forward on the film adaptation of Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel, “Meet Me at the Lake.” Meghan has reportedly taken a hands-on role in the creative direction of these projects, shifting Archewell’s focus toward scripted “feel-good” content and romantic dramas that align with their brand identity.
Legal Updates and Security Battles
As of April 2026, the UK High Court is still deliberating on the high-profile lawsuit brought by Prince Harry, Sir Elton John, and others against Associated Newspapers (ANL). The case involves allegations of unlawful information gathering, including wiretapping and private investigators.
Simultaneously, Harry’s ongoing battle for taxpayer-funded security (Ravec) remains unresolved. Recent reports suggest a split within the committee, with some officials fearing public backlash if protection is reinstated, while others argue the Duke’s high-profile status necessitates state-level security for safety.
Family Life in Montecito
Prince Harry and Meghan continue to reside in their Montecito, California estate with their two children, Prince Archie (6) and Princess Lilibet (4). The couple has remained protective of their children’s privacy, though they occasionally share rare glimpses of their home life via video updates for their various foundations.
In early April 2026, Meghan shared a brief, rare video of the family during a skiing trip, which sparked significant social media engagement. Both children are reportedly attending a local school in the Santa Barbara area, with the family focusing on a “normal” upbringing centered on outdoor activities and community involvement.
Practical Information and Royal Logistics
Following Official Announcements
- Archewell.com: The primary source for official statements and philanthropic updates.
- AsEver.com: The commercial hub for Meghan’s lifestyle products and brand news.
- PDC/Invictus Media: For schedules regarding Harry’s official sporting appearances.
What to Expect in 2026
Fans can expect a higher volume of commercial releases from Meghan’s brand and at least two documentary releases on Netflix. Harry’s public presence will likely center around the veteran community and his legal proceedings in London.
Contacting the Sussexes
The couple does not maintain public social media accounts. Correspondence for the Archewell Foundation is handled through their official website, where supporters can learn about their current impact areas, including digital safety and mental health.
Current status and lifestyle
The latest on Harry and Meghan shows that they continue to live outside the traditional royal structure, splitting their time between California and occasional trips to the United Kingdom. Their primary home is in Montecito, a coastal enclave in Santa Barbara County, where they own a private, high‑security estate with multiple bedrooms, extensive grounds, and controlled access points. The couple has reportedly paid tens of millions for the property, which is in one of the most expensive residential areas on the West Coast.
Their lifestyle blends elements of celebrity life with a strong emphasis on privacy, family‑time, and low‑key community engagement. They are often seen locally at farmers’ markets, school events, and local charity gatherings, while avoiding the kind of constant red‑carpet or fashion‑week calendar associated with many Hollywood figures. Public appearances are usually tied to specific projects such as Archewell initiatives, media launches, or high‑profile events, with their team carefully managing press access and security.
Family life and children
The latest on Harry and Meghan’s family life centers on their two children, Prince Archie of Sussex, born in 2019, and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, born in 2021, both of whom hold British royal titles but are not working members of the family. The couple has chosen to keep the children’s routines relatively normal, with school‑day structures, sports, and local play, while still limiting their exposure to the paparazzi and media scrutiny. Photos and video clips released by the family are usually tightly controlled, often tied to milestone birthdays, mental‑health‑awareness campaigns, or official statements.
Both children are named in ways that link them to Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, with Lilibet chosen in honor of the Queen’s childhood nickname. This naming choice has been read as a subtle signal of their desire to honor family history even while living outside the palace environment. The family’s internal dynamic is described by close associates as warm and playful, with a strong emphasis on emotional openness and mental‑health awareness, topics that Harry has spoken about extensively in interviews and memoirs.
Archewell and charitable work
The latest on Harry and Meghan’s work highlights Archewell, their nonprofit foundation, which focuses on mental‑health initiatives, digital‑safety advocacy, support for disadvantaged communities, and climate‑related projects. Incorporated in the United States, Archewell operates through a mix of grants, partnerships with existing charities, and high‑profile campaigns rather than large‑scale, stand‑alone programs, which allows them to remain flexible and media‑savvy. The organization has backed initiatives related to gun‑violence prevention, support for veterans and first responders, and anti‑misinformation and anti‑hate‑speech efforts online.
Public events tied to Archewell often feature celebrity guests, expert panels, and educational content aimed at younger audiences, especially around social‑media safety and mental‑health first aid. The couple has also used Archewell as a platform to respond to major events, such as mass shootings, natural‑disaster crises, or surges in online harassment, framing their involvement as a way to drive both awareness and concrete assistance. These efforts position them as part‑activist, part‑advocate, even as they simultaneously pursue commercial media and business ventures.
Media and entertainment projects
One of the most visible aspects of the latest on Harry and Meghan is their slate of media deals, including long‑running contracts with Netflix and Spotify, plus additional projects with major studios and publishers. Their Netflix partnership produced a high‑profile four‑part documentary series that followed them for several years, paired with a mental‑health‑focused initiative designed to encourage viewers to seek help when struggling. The series was headline‑worthy, drawing record viewership figures and prompting debate among royal watchers and media critics about how much private life belongs on screen.
They also had an audio‑podcast project with Spotify, which focused on social‑impact storytelling and community voices but was later discontinued in line with broader industry shifts away from exclusive podcast partnerships. In addition, Harry has released a best‑selling memoir and embarked on a global book‑tour, while Meghan has contributed writing and multimedia projects to major outlets, often centered on themes like mental health, race, gender, and digital culture. These media moves show that they intend to remain prominent public figures, even without the resources and platform that formal royal duties once provided.
Legal battles and lawsuits
The latest on Harry and Meghan includes several high‑profile legal actions that reflect their ongoing struggle to control their public image and privacy. Harry has pursued multiple defamation and privacy‑related cases against UK tabloid publishers, arguing that intrusive reporting, fabricated stories, and phone‑hacking‑style tactics have damaged his reputation and safety. Some of these cases have led to settlements, public apologies, and substantial damages awards, which have been used to fund Archewell and other charitable causes.
Meghan has also been involved in legal disputes over the handling of her personal letters and media portrayals, framing them as part of a broader pattern of harassment and misrepresentation. The couple has publicly stated that they are committed to “fighting for the truth,” even at personal cost, and that they see their legal work as a way to hold media outlets accountable rather than simply as personal grievances. These cases have attracted attention from free‑speech and privacy advocates, who see them as part of a larger debate about the balance between press freedom and individual rights.
Views on returning to royal life
As of the latest on Harry and Meghan, there is no indication that they plan to return to working‑royal roles within the royal family, even though they occasionally attend certain events as guests. Their 2020 agreement to step back from senior duties was framed as a permanent restructuring of their position, allowing them to live independently while still retaining their titles and some connection to the institution. In interviews and public statements, the couple has emphasized that they feel safer and more balanced living outside the palace environment, even if that means giving up formal duties and certain privileges.
Royal analysts and commentators speculate that the likelihood of a full return to active royal work remains low, given the depth of their disputes with certain media outlets and the complexity of navigating palace protocol while maintaining their own brand and commercial ties. However, they have not ruled out periodic participation in select royal events, such as commemorative services, state visits, or family milestones, provided that security, privacy, and media coverage are arranged to their satisfaction. The evolving nature of the monarchy itself, including the gradual redefinition of “working royals,” means that the specifics of any future involvement could change over time.
Security, safety, and public appearances
The latest on Harry and Meghan also centers on their security arrangements, which remain unusually high for a non‑working royal couple, especially in the United States. In the UK, they are entitled to royal protection at certain times and events, but in the U.S. they rely on a mix of private security firms, local law‑enforcement cooperation, and extensive home‑security systems. Their Montecito property reportedly features surveillance, access controls, and perimeter defenses comparable to those seen at other high‑profile celebrity addresses.
Public appearances are carefully planned, with advance coordination involving protocol officers, venue staff, and logistics teams to minimize exposure to crowds and press. Whether attending a charity gala, a mental‑health summit, or a cultural event, the couple typically arrives and departs at staggered times, uses discrete entrances, and limits informal interactions to managed, brief moments. The goal is to balance public engagement with a realistic assessment of potential threats, including harassment, social‑media hate, and physical security risks associated with their prominent status.
Business and brand partnerships
Beyond Archewell and entertainment projects, the latest on Harry and Meghan includes their expanding portfolio of business and commercial partnerships, which contribute significantly to their income. These deals range from endorsement‑style arrangements and consultancy roles to creative collaborations with fashion, lifestyle, and wellness brands that want to align with their image of modern, socially conscious, high‑net‑worth figures. The couple has been selective, often choosing collaborations that support sustainable products, mental‑health initiatives, or diversity‑and‑inclusion causes.
Their brand appeal is also tied to media ownership: they own or co‑own content libraries and rights that can be licensed for documentaries, series, and other adaptations, adding another revenue stream beyond direct appearances or speaking fees. Some of their projects are structured as long‑term deals that pay annually rather than per project, giving them a degree of financial stability that allows them to turn down offers that do not fit their values or timing. This blend of activism and commerce underpins their public argument that they can operate independently while still promoting social‑good causes.
Public image and media portrayal
The latest on Harry and Meghan reveals a sharply divided public image: to some, they are pioneering figures who have challenged outdated royal norms and centered mental‑health awareness, diversity, and digital ethics; to others, they are seen as self‑publicists who have commercialized their platform and damaged institutional stability. Polls and surveys in the UK, the United States, and other countries consistently show that sentiment varies by age, political leaning, and media consumption habits, with younger and more progressive audiences generally more sympathetic.
Media coverage ranges from tabloid‑focused exposés to sympathetic profiles, with different outlets emphasizing different angles: some zoom in on their wealth and lifestyle, while others focus on their charitable work or advocacy. This fragmented portrayal means that the “latest news” on them can look dramatically different depending on the outlet, and that many fans and critics alike form opinions based on narrative emphasis rather than neutral fact‑reporting. The couple’s own social media and official channels provide one version of the story, while paparazzi and royal‑gossip platforms offer another, often conflicting one.
Travel, residences, and lifestyle costs
The latest on Harry and Meghan’s travel and lifestyle points to a transatlantic pattern, with frequent trips between the United States and the United Kingdom as well as occasional visits to other countries for work and philanthropy. These journeys usually involve chartered or private‑jet travel, which has drawn criticism from environmental‑awareness groups, even as the couple has publicly supported climate‑action causes. The cost of maintaining a high‑security household in California, hiring personal and professional staff, and carrying out global travel can easily run into many millions of dollars per year, though exact figures are not publicly known.
Their lifestyle costs are offset by substantial income from media deals, books, speaking engagements, and commercial partnerships, which together likely place them among the wealthier celebrity couples in the world. Some commentators argue this combination of elite‑level wealth and activist messaging creates a tension between their professed values and their consumption patterns, while supporters see it as a necessary trade‑off for operating at their scale and influence. The couple has not disclosed detailed financials, but their public decisions—where they live, how they travel, and how they spend—offer indirect clues about their priorities and resources.
Future plans and upcoming projects
Looking ahead, the latest on Harry and Meghan suggests they intend to continue operating as a public‑facing couple with a hybrid mix of philanthropy, media, and business. Planned projects frequently include new documentary formats, limited‑series content, and mental‑health or social‑justice‑focused campaigns, often tied to major global events or anniversaries. The couple has indicated that they want to use their platform to spotlight under‑recognized stories, especially from marginalized communities, and to encourage viewers to take concrete action such as contacting elected officials, supporting charities, or accessing mental‑health services.
There is also speculation that they may expand into educational or digital‑safety‑focused initiatives, possibly partnering with tech companies, schools, and NGOs to promote safer online environments for young people. If legal victories and media success continue, they may leverage that momentum into broader influence within policy‑adjacent arenas, such as mental‑health legislation, privacy‑rights advocacy, or press‑regulation debates. The exact trajectory will depend on shifting public sentiment, the evolving royal landscape, and how willing they are to push further into areas that directly challenge established institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Meghan Markle return to acting in 2026?
While she is not returning to Suits, Meghan is heavily involved in the production side of Archewell’s scripted slate and has reportedly filmed a cameo for a high-end lifestyle documentary series associated with her brand.
What is the status of Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare”?
In early 2026, rumors surfaced regarding a potential “bonus chapter” or a paperback release focused on his life since the Coronation, though no official publication date has been confirmed by Penguin Random House.
Are the Sussexes still living in Montecito?
Yes, the family remains based in their Montecito estate, though they have recently spent more time in a secondary “work hub” in Los Angeles to oversee the expansion of the “As Ever” headquarters.
How is “As Ever” different from American Riviera Orchard?
“As Ever” is the finalized, trademarked global brand. While the previous name focused on their local California roots, “As Ever” is designed to be a broader, international lifestyle label encompassing wellness, home, and beauty.
Is Prince Harry still involved with BetterUp?
Yes, Prince Harry continues his role as Chief Impact Officer at the coaching and mental health platform BetterUp, frequently appearing at their “Uplift” summits throughout 2025 and 2026.
What is the “Meet Me at the Lake” movie?
It is a Netflix film adaptation produced by Archewell. In 2026, the project moved into active casting, with the story focusing on themes of grief, mental health, and second chances—topics closely aligned with the couple’s personal advocacy.
Will Archie and Lilibet attend the 2027 Invictus Games?
Prince Harry has expressed a strong desire to bring his children to the Birmingham Games in 2027, provided that a satisfactory security agreement is reached with the UK Home Office.
What is the Archewell Foundation focusing on in 2026?
The foundation’s 2026 “Impact Report” highlights a major push for The Parents’ Network, an initiative aimed at protecting children from online harm and supporting families affected by social media-related tragedies.
Has Meghan Markle reconciled with her father?
There have been no public reports of a reconciliation between Meghan and Thomas Markle as of April 2026; the Duchess remains focused on her immediate family and professional ventures.
Who is the current spokesperson for the Sussexes?
The couple has transitioned to a global communications team led by high-profile PR strategists in both London and Los Angeles, moving away from a single “press secretary” model to a more corporate structure.
Final Thoughts
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have successfully navigated the “pivot year” that many royal commentators predicted would define their long-term commercial viability. By decoupling Meghan’s lifestyle brand, “As Ever,” from the Netflix corporate umbrella, the Duchess has asserted a level of entrepreneurial independence not seen since her pre-royal days. Simultaneously, Prince Harry’s strategic focus on the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 serves as a powerful reminder of his unique ability to command the global stage through service-led initiatives. This “dual-track” strategy—where Meghan leads the commercial lifestyle front and Harry anchors the international philanthropic efforts—appears to be their most stable operational model since moving to California in 2020.
Looking forward to the remainder of 2026, the couple’s primary challenges remain legal and logistical. The outcome of Harry’s security appeals in the UK High Court will dictate the frequency of family visits to Europe, while the critical reception of their upcoming scripted Netflix projects will determine the future of their Hollywood influence. While a full “royal return” remains unlikely, the increasing frequency of measured, professional communication with Buckingham Palace suggests that the Sussexes are entering a phase of “pragmatic coexistence” with the British Monarchy.
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