5 Major New Chapters For Meghan And Harry: The Latest Updates On Their Hollywood Empire And Royal Relations

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, continue to dominate headlines globally, not for their past royal roles, but for their burgeoning media and philanthropic empire in California. As of late 2024, the couple is doubling down on their Hollywood production deals and charitable endeavors, marking a definitive new chapter in their post-royal lives. The focus has shifted entirely to their creative output and their mission-driven work through the Archewell Foundation, with several major announcements and new projects confirmed in the final months of the year.

The couple's strategy is clear: transition from subjects of royal news to powerful, independent media producers and philanthropists. This shift is highlighted by a flurry of production announcements with Netflix and a significant re-launch of Meghan's personal lifestyle brand, demonstrating a renewed and focused effort to build their financial and cultural influence outside of the British monarchy.

The Sussexes' Evolving Biography and Profile

• Names: Prince Henry, Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry); Rachel Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle).
• Titles: Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Earl and Countess of Dumbarton, Baron and Baroness Kilkeel.
• Children: Prince Archie of Sussex, Princess Lilibet of Sussex.
• Residence: Montecito, Santa Barbara, California, U.S.
• Foundation: The Archewell Foundation (Co-founders).
• Production Company: Archewell Productions (Co-founders).
• Major Media Deals: Multi-year partnership with Netflix (extended in 2024), former deal with Spotify.
• Key Initiatives: Invictus Games (Prince Harry), The Parents' Network (Archewell Foundation), As Ever (Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand).
• Royal Status: Ceased to be working members of the British Royal Family in 2020.

1. The New Netflix Slate: A Romantic Comedy and Two Unscripted Shows

The biggest news from the Sussex camp in late 2024 centers on their creative partnership with Netflix, which has been extended and is now yielding a new slate of projects. After the success of their docuseries *Harry & Meghan* and the documentary *Heart of Invictus* (2023), and the unscripted series *Polo* (2024), the couple is moving into scripted content.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The Wedding Date Adaptation Confirmed

Prince Harry and Meghan, through Archewell Productions, have signed on to produce a new romantic comedy film for the streaming giant. The project is an adaptation of the popular romance novel, *The Wedding Date*, by author Jasmine Guillory. This marks their seventh overall project with Netflix and a significant step into the world of scripted feature films.

The film is already attracting major Hollywood talent, with Tracy Oliver, known for writing *Girls Trip*, attached to the project. This move into a lighthearted, commercial genre like a romantic comedy is a clear indication of the couple’s desire to create mainstream, audience-friendly entertainment outside of purely documentary or biographical content. The focus on diverse narratives, a stated mission of Archewell Productions, is also evident in the source material.

Additionally, the couple is in the "early stages" of production on two other new, unscripted shows, though specific details remain scarce. These projects are expected to further explore their interests in philanthropy and human-interest stories, aligning with the Archewell Foundation's mission.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

2. Meghan Markle's Brand Re-launch: American Riviera Orchard Becomes 'As Ever'

Meghan Markle’s much-anticipated lifestyle brand, initially launched in March 2024 as American Riviera Orchard (ARO), underwent a significant and surprising re-launch. The Duchess of Sussex has seemingly changed the name of the brand to "As Ever."

The 'As Ever' Shift

The new name, "As Ever," was quietly introduced and was reportedly "hidden" on her website, suggesting a soft, strategic pivot following the initial fanfare. The brand, which is expected to focus on home goods, gardening, food, and general lifestyle products, is a passion project for Meghan. The name American Riviera Orchard referenced their Montecito home in Santa Barbara, California, a region often referred to as the "American Riviera." The shift to "As Ever" may signal a broader, less geographically specific focus for the brand.

The Duchess herself acknowledged the difficulties of the initial debut, admitting to making "mistakes" in the launch process. This candid admission is a rare move for the usually private couple and suggests a concerted effort to refine the brand's image and strategy for a more successful rollout in the future. The overall goal remains to create a high-end, aspirational lifestyle brand in the vein of Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

3. Archewell's 2024 Charitable Work and Public Appearances

Beyond their media deals, the Duke and Duchess have focused heavily on their non-profit, The Archewell Foundation. In late 2024, they released a video and updates detailing their charitable work throughout the year.

Focus on Community and Grief

The foundation’s work centers on showing up and doing good, with a particular focus on "honoring families transforming grief into action." They have actively supported initiatives like The Parents' Network and connected with women working on community projects. Their 2024 charitable efforts underscored their commitment to mental health, community support, and creating a positive impact.

Recent Joint and Separate Engagements

The couple has maintained a steady schedule of public and private appearances. They made a high-profile "date night" appearance at the 2024 ESPYS in July. More recently, they attended the One805live! Concert in Santa Barbara, a star-studded charity gala hosted by Kevin Costner to raise funds for first responders, marking one of their first major joint outings following a period of relative quiet. Meghan was also seen at the 2024 Paley Honors Fall Gala in Los Angeles, while Harry attended a separate event in New York City, demonstrating their continued ability to command attention both together and individually.

4. The State of Royal Family Relations

While the focus is on their independent career, the shadow of their relationship with the Royal Family persists in the media. Following King Charles III’s health news, there was a brief reunion between Prince Harry and his father. However, reports from late 2024 suggest that a full reconciliation with the wider family, including Prince William, remains unlikely.

The couple continues to live their lives in Montecito, California, maintaining a distance from the UK. Their public statements and actions are carefully managed to focus on their philanthropic and professional endeavors, rather than the ongoing drama of the monarchy. The future of their relationship with the British Crown remains a topic of intense speculation, but their current path is clearly defined by their independence.

5. What's Next: The Invictus Games and Global Influence

Looking ahead, the Invictus Games remains a core part of Prince Harry’s identity and work. The next major event is scheduled for 2025, and preparation for this global sporting event for wounded servicemen and women will likely become a central focus for the Duke. Furthermore, with their Netflix deal renewed and new projects in the pipeline, the couple is positioned to solidify their status as major Hollywood players. Their consistent media output and high-profile public appearances underscore their commitment to building a global brand rooted in social impact and entertainment.