5 Major New Projects And Shocking Updates Defining Harry And Meghan’s Make-or-Break 2025

As of December 10, 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are closing out a pivotal year that has redefined their post-royal careers, moving decisively from documentary-focused content to a diversified portfolio of media, philanthropy, and lifestyle ventures. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have solidified their creative partnership with Netflix, pushed the boundaries of their humanitarian work through the Archewell Foundation, and, most notably, Meghan Markle is preparing for the highly anticipated Spring 2025 launch of her new lifestyle brand, 'As Ever.' This period marks a critical "make-or-break" moment as they launch new projects under intense public scrutiny, focusing on their joint vision for impact and their private life in Montecito. The couple has signaled a professional reset, prioritizing their relationship and family life with their two children, while simultaneously expanding their influence on major global issues, including mental health and the ethical development of artificial intelligence. Their strategic public appearances and new business ventures demonstrate a clear commitment to establishing a lasting legacy independent of the British Royal Family, setting the stage for a busy and transformative 2026.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex: A Profile

• Names: Prince Henry Charles Albert David (Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex); Rachel Meghan Markle (Meghan, Duchess of Sussex)
• Titles: Duke and Duchess of Sussex
• Children: Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor (b. 2019); Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor (b. 2021)
• Residence: Montecito, Santa Barbara, California, USA
• Non-Profit Organization: The Archewell Foundation
• Media Company: Archewell Productions
• Key Recent Projects (2025): Netflix deal extension, Project Healthy Minds appearance, Prince Harry's Upfront Summit keynote, Meghan’s 'As Ever' brand launch.

The New Creative Chapter: Netflix, ‘As Ever,’ and Media Strategy

The most significant professional development for the Sussexes in 2025 has been the renewal and extension of their lucrative creative partnership with Netflix. After initial speculation that their original $100 million deal might not be renewed, the couple, through their company Archewell Productions, secured a new multi-year contract, signaling Netflix's continued faith in their production capabilities.

Meghan Markle’s Highly Anticipated 'As Ever' Lifestyle Brand

Central to the couple’s independent strategy is Meghan Markle’s solo business venture, the lifestyle brand 'As Ever'. The brand, which was officially renamed in February 2025, is scheduled for a full launch in Spring 2025. 'As Ever' is expected to cover a wide range of products and content related to home, garden, food, and entertaining—areas the Duchess has always expressed a passion for. This launch is being paired with a new Netflix series. The show will reportedly focus on cooking, gardening, friendship, and the art of entertaining, allowing Meghan to step back into a public-facing role that blends her personal interests with her production acumen. The focus on positive, aspirational content marks a clear shift from the more personal, retrospective documentaries of their earlier Netflix work, such as *Harry & Meghan*.

Archewell Productions’ Evolving Slate

Archewell Productions is now moving forward with a diverse slate of new projects under the extended deal. While details remain private, the shift is toward more global impact-driven narratives and scripted content, alongside Meghan’s lifestyle series. The renewal of the contract, even with reports suggesting a renegotiated, lower value, provides a stable, long-term platform for their media ambitions. The couple is determined to demonstrate that their value lies not just in personal narratives but in their ability to produce high-quality, mission-driven content that resonates globally.

Philanthropy and Global Advocacy: Beyond the Royal Bubble

The work of The Archewell Foundation remains a cornerstone of the Sussexes' mission. In 2025, the foundation has continued its focus on mental health, gender equity, and online safety.

Major Public Appearances and Advocacy

In October 2025, the Duke and Duchess made a rare joint red-carpet appearance in New York City for the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival. Their participation underscored their long-standing commitment to destigmatizing mental health issues, a cause deeply personal to Prince Harry, who has spoken openly about his own struggles and the legacy of his mother, Princess Diana. Prince Harry also delivered a keynote speech at the 2025 Upfront Summit, discussing the critical intersection of philanthropy and business, further establishing his role as a thought leader in the corporate social responsibility space.

The AI Ban Call and Financial Clarity

In a surprising move demonstrating their expanding global advocacy, both Harry and Meghan joined a global call in October 2025 urging a ban on the development of 'superintelligent' AI, citing existential risks to humanity. This highlights their willingness to engage with complex, cutting-edge issues far removed from traditional royal duties. Furthermore, the Archewell Foundation successfully debunked allegations of financial mismanagement and missing millions in 2025. Updates from the foundation, such as the "Filling Backpacks, Fueling Dreams" campaign with the Los Angeles-based nonprofit Big Sunday to kick off the 2025 school year, showcase their hands-on, community-focused charitable work in California.

Family Life in Montecito and The Future of Royal Relations

Life in their Montecito, Santa Barbara home continues to be centered around their two children, Prince Archie Harrison (6) and Princess Lilibet Diana (4). The couple is fiercely protective of their children's privacy, but they have recently offered glimpses into their family life.

Archie and Lilibet’s Public Glimpses

In a rare public outing, the children joined their parents to give back to the community ahead of Thanksgiving 2025. This strategic, controlled exposure aligns with their desire to raise their children with an understanding of service while maintaining a degree of normalcy. The name Lilibet Diana honors both Prince Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and his late mother, Princess Diana, a symbolic link to the Royal Family that remains important to them. There is also speculation that Prince Harry may plan a visit to the UK with Archie and Lilibet in early 2026, following an update in his long-running legal battles regarding security arrangements. Such a visit would be a significant moment, marking a potential, albeit brief, reconciliation or at least a public acknowledgment of their ties to the British monarchy.

The Path Forward

The consensus among royal commentators is that 2025 has been a year of professional stabilization and strategic focus. They have successfully renewed major contracts, launched new business ventures like 'As Ever,' and cemented their status as global humanitarians. The pressure remains high, but by diversifying their projects and focusing on causes like mental health and AI ethics, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are carving out a unique, powerful, and modern role for themselves on the world stage, ensuring that their story is one of action and impact, not just anecdote.