Meghan Markle’s latest venture could be a pivotal moment for her and Prince Harry’s future plans. Following delays, her eight-part series, With Love, Meghan, finally begins streaming, showcasing “the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship.”
Originally set to premiere on January 15, the show was postponed to allow the couple to focus on supporting those affected by California’s wildfires. The launch comes nearly a year after Meghan gifted celebrity friends jars of homemade jam featuring the American Riviera Orchard branding—a name she has since rebranded as As Ever.
A Carefully Crafted Strategy?
Meghan’s decision to rename her lifestyle brand followed the rejection of American Riviera Orchard by the US Patent and Trademark Office, which prohibits trademarks based on geographical locations. While a source close to the Duchess framed it as part of the learning process of entrepreneurship, others see a deliberate marketing strategy at play.
“This isn’t an identity crisis—it’s a business model,” PR expert Mark Borkowski explains. “The constant reinvention and strategic ambiguity keep her unpredictable, making it difficult to undermine her. Meghan isn’t just selling products—she’s selling curiosity about herself.”
Following Her Passion
Meghan has emphasized that her decision to rename the brand stemmed from a desire for broader creative freedom. “The original name limited me to things produced in a specific area,” she explained. “As Ever reflects my long-standing love for cooking, crafting, and gardening—passions I haven’t been able to share in the same way for years.”
Her new trademark application, still under review, covers a wide range of products, including kitchenware, gardening tools, jams, pancake mixes, cocktail ingredients, and even pet shampoo. However, sources clarify that As Ever will not include clothing or photography services, as businesses in China and the U.S. already use the same brand name.
A Branding Controversy
The As Ever logo, featuring two hummingbirds flanking a palm tree, has sparked unexpected backlash from the Majorcan town of Porreres, whose 14th-century coat of arms bears a similar design. “This symbol is important to our identity, and people are upset that it’s being used to sell jam,” said Mayor Xisca Mora.
Extensive trademark searches were reportedly conducted before the logo’s release. The palm tree is believed to symbolize those in Meghan’s Montecito garden, while the hummingbird—Prince Harry’s favorite bird—adds a personal touch.
A Critical Moment for the Sussexes
The lead-up to With Love, Meghan has been anything but smooth. In January, Vanity Fair published a critical profile of the couple, and just last week, Hollywood agency WME had to confirm that it still represents Meghan after rumors surfaced that she had been dropped.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry faces scrutiny after a U.S. judge ruled that three of his immigration documents will be made public following a legal challenge from the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation. Despite this, Harry recently delivered a speech at a Los Angeles tech summit, seemingly taking aim at the Trump administration, discussing “a sickness in leadership” across industries.
As the couple’s five-year Netflix deal nears renewal, the success of With Love, Meghan could be crucial. While their Harry & Meghan docuseries broke streaming records, subsequent projects haven’t matched its impact.
“If this show doesn’t land, expect Netflix to politely but decisively distance itself,” warns Borkowski.
Adding to the pressure, Harry is preparing for another legal battle in the UK, appealing a Home Office decision to downgrade his security next month.
Yet, on social media, Meghan appears unfazed. She has been sharing serene moments from her Montecito home—spring blossoms, a child’s hand watering the garden, and a fresh orange being squeezed into a drink—projecting a calm and joyful image amid mounting challenges.
