5 Shocking New Realities Of Harry And Meghan's Life In 2025: From 'As Ever' To The Sentebale Scandal

The year 2025 has proven to be one of the most transformative and, at times, turbulent periods for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. As of December 2025, the couple's Californian chapter is less about the initial 'Megxit' drama and more about the intense pressure of building a successful, self-sufficient media and entrepreneurial empire, all while navigating a complex and often strained relationship with the British Royal Family. The latest headlines are dominated by a major charity departure, a controversial new lifestyle brand, and a slate of ambitious new media projects that define their post-royal identity. The couple, who reside in their Montecito home, have spent the latter half of 2025 solidifying their brand, which has involved both major public announcements and quiet, behind-the-scenes struggles. This article provides an in-depth look at the most recent and relevant updates, focusing on the fresh realities of their life as independent global figures.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: A Complete 2025 Profile

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have cemented their status as global humanitarians and media producers. Here is a complete, up-to-date biographical snapshot of the couple as of late 2025:

• Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex:
• Full Name: Prince Henry Charles Albert David.
• Born: September 15, 1984 (41 years old in 2025).
• Parents: King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
• Recent Focus (2025): Executive Producer roles with Archewell Productions, advocating for online safety, and dealing with the fallout from his August 2025 resignation from his co-founded charity, Sentebale.
• Key Projects: Invictus Games, Spare (memoir), Archewell Foundation.
• Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex:
• Full Name: Rachel Meghan Markle.
• Born: August 4, 1981 (44 years old in 2025).
• Parents: Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland.
• Recent Focus (2025): Launch and expansion of her rebranded lifestyle company, 'As Ever,' and her role as an executive producer on new Netflix documentaries.
• Prior Career: Actress (best known for Suits), humanitarian, and founder of the lifestyle blog The Tig.
• Family & Residence:
• Children: Prince Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Princess Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor.
• Residence: Montecito, Santa Barbara, California.
• Joint Venture: Archewell, encompassing the Archewell Foundation (non-profit) and Archewell Productions (content creation).

The Launch of 'As Ever': Meghan's High-Stakes Entrepreneurial Venture

The most significant professional development for Meghan Markle in 2025 was the launch of her highly anticipated lifestyle brand. The Duchess of Sussex officially launched her new company, As Ever, in the spring of 2025, following a quiet rebranding from its original name, American Riviera Orchard, in February 2025. The new name and focus signal a clear return to the entrepreneurial roots she explored with her former blog, The Tig.

Focus on Artisanal Food and Home Goods

'As Ever' debuted on March 4, 2025, with an initial focus on artisanal food products, home decor, and general lifestyle items. This venture is seen by many royal commentators as Meghan’s most personal and high-stakes project since moving to the US, placing immense pressure on her to prove its commercial viability. The brand’s success is crucial not only to her personal professional fulfillment but also to the narrative of financial independence the couple has worked hard to establish. Trademark filings suggest a wide range of products, from gourmet jams and table linens to pet accessories and gardening tools.

Prince Harry's Shock Resignation from Sentebale (August 2025)

One of the most surprising and controversial events of 2025 was Prince Harry's departure from his own co-founded charity, Sentebale, in August. Sentebale, which means "Forget Me Not" in the Sesotho language, was established by Harry in 2006 in honor of his mother, Princess Diana, to support children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. His sudden resignation sent shockwaves through the philanthropic world.

The 'Untenable Situation' and New Charity Rumors

The Duke of Sussex released a statement confirming his departure in solidarity with the board of trustees, but insiders quickly revealed the move was due to an "untenable situation" with the chairwoman of the charity. The dispute reportedly involved a significant breakdown in their working relationship. Following the split, Harry is reportedly considering establishing a new charitable foundation to continue his work in Africa, signaling a desire to maintain his connection to the continent while moving past the Sentebale controversy. The pressure of this fallout, coupled with Meghan's intense focus on 'As Ever,' reportedly led to a brief period of domestic strain for the couple in the fall of 2025.

New Archewell Productions Slate: From 'Cookie Queens' to Social Media Advocacy

The couple's multi-year deal with Netflix and other content partners continues to be the backbone of their professional efforts, with several new projects announced or premiered in 2025 and early 2026.

The 'Cookie Queens' Documentary

In a surprise move, Archewell Productions announced they are executive producing a documentary titled "Cookie Queens," which follows a troop of Girl Scouts during their annual cookie season. This "edgy" new project, set to premiere in 2026, focuses on themes of female entrepreneurship and community, a subject reportedly close to the Duchess’s heart.

Major Stance on Social Media Safety

In October 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made headlines by publicly reacting to a proposed social media ban for children under the age of 16, a topic they have long championed through their Archewell Foundation. They collaborated with organizations like Parents Together through their Parents' Network initiative, emphasizing the need for greater digital safety and accountability for Big Tech companies. This advocacy work, which often sees them traveling to New York City for high-profile events, is a consistent pillar of their foundation's mission.

The Status of the Royal Rift and Future Plans

The relationship between the Sussexes and the British Royal Family remains a constant source of media speculation in late 2025. Despite the ongoing distance, reports surfaced in the spring that Prince Harry was hopeful his wife's major media deals, particularly with Netflix, could serve as a bridge to mend the rift, believing the Royal Family "needs her" influence. However, the public stance has been one of maintaining professional distance, with the couple reportedly being on their "best behavior" to avoid further scandal that could jeopardize their American ventures. As 2025 draws to a close, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly planning a luxury New Year’s holiday with friends, a well-deserved break after a year of intense professional pressure. Their focus for the immediate future remains clear: to build a powerful, profitable, and impactful brand from their Montecito base, balancing the demands of Hollywood production with the serious work of their humanitarian foundation. The path is challenging, but 2025 has shown the couple is fully committed to their new, independent reality.