The Duchess Of Sussex: 5 Major Ventures That Define Meghan Markle's Life In 2025

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, continues to be one of the most recognized and influential figures globally, solidifying her post-royal career with major new ventures and a commitment to philanthropy. As of December 2025, her life is a meticulously balanced blend of business entrepreneurship, media production, and influential advocacy, all centered from her home base in Montecito, California. This in-depth look explores the woman behind the title, her complete biography, and the five key projects defining her current trajectory.

The question of "Who is the Duchess of Sussex?" has evolved dramatically since her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. She is no longer solely defined by her royal status or her acting past, but by her role as a media mogul, a lifestyle brand founder, and a dedicated humanitarian through the Archewell Foundation. Her latest moves, including the launch of her highly-anticipated lifestyle brand, 'As Ever,' signal a powerful and independent chapter.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, born Rachel Meghan Markle, is an American media personality, entrepreneur, and former actress who became a member of the British royal family upon her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. She is known for her influential voice on gender equality, women's empowerment, and mental health.

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• Full Name: Rachel Meghan Markle
• Title: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex (Used in non-working capacity), The Duchess of Sussex, Princess Henry of Wales, Countess of Dumbarton, Baroness Kilkeel.
• Date of Birth: August 4, 1981
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Spouse: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (Married May 19, 2018)
• Children: Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex
• Education: Northwestern University (Double major in Theatre and International Relations)
• Career Highlights: Actress (known for playing Rachel Zane in the TV series Suits), Lifestyle Blogger (The Tig), Author (The Bench), Podcast Host (Archetypes), Co-Founder of Archewell.
• Current Residence: Montecito, Santa Barbara, California, U.S.

Prior to her royal life, Meghan achieved significant success as an actress, most notably starring as the paralegal Rachel Zane in the USA Network legal drama Suits from 2011 to 2018. Her background as an American, biracial woman and a successful professional brought a unique, modern perspective to the traditionally staid British monarchy.

Five Key Ventures Defining the Duchess of Sussex in 2025

Following her and Prince Harry's decision to step back as senior working members of the Royal Family in 2020 (known as "Megxit"), the Duchess of Sussex has spearheaded several high-profile projects. The year 2025 has been particularly significant, marked by a pivot toward entrepreneurship and media production.

1. The Launch of the 'As Ever' Lifestyle Brand

The most anticipated launch of 2025 was the Duchess’s new lifestyle and culinary brand, 'As Ever.' Originally teased as 'American Riviera Orchard,' the brand officially launched in Spring 2025, specifically on March 4, 2025.

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The brand focuses heavily on artisanal food products, home goods, and a curated selection of lifestyle items, drawing inspiration from the couple’s life in Montecito. The concept is an evolution of her former successful lifestyle blog, The Tig, but with a more professional, entrepreneurial structure. This move firmly establishes the Duchess as a business mogul in the competitive wellness and lifestyle space, competing with other celebrity-led brands. The brand’s debut was closely tied to her parallel Netflix project, creating a symbiotic media and commerce ecosystem.

2. The Netflix Lifestyle and Culinary Series

Part of the multi-year deal with Netflix through Archewell Productions, the Duchess of Sussex's new unscripted series is a direct extension of the 'As Ever' brand. The show, which began airing in early 2025, centers on the themes of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and the joys of friendship.

This series offers viewers a glimpse into the Duchess's personal passions and her life in Santa Barbara, showcasing her skills as a hostess and home cook. It’s a strategic move to build an authentic connection with her audience, leveraging the massive global reach of the streaming giant. This project follows the success of the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan, but shifts the focus entirely to her lifestyle and entrepreneurial vision.

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3. Leading the Archewell Foundation's Philanthropic Efforts

The Archewell Foundation, established by the Duke and Duchess in 2020, remains the cornerstone of their non-profit work. Its mission is to "show up, do good," focusing on creating compassionate and resilient communities. In 2025, the Foundation continued its active schedule, notably through its support of organizations focused on mental health and media integrity.

A key initiative is The Parent's Network, which supports families through shared experiences and resources. In 2025, the couple was publicly honored at the Project Healthy Minds Gala for their advocacy in this space. Furthermore, Archewell Productions is backing other Netflix projects, such as the documentary 'Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within,' demonstrating their commitment to diverse and thought-provoking narratives.

4. High-Profile Global Advocacy and Public Speaking

Despite stepping away from royal duties, the Duchess of Sussex maintains a powerful presence on the global stage as a keynote speaker and advocate. Her attendance at the TIME100 Summit in New York City in April 2025 highlighted her continued influence and commitment to public discourse.

Her speeches consistently champion causes like gender equality, digital citizenship, and the importance of mental well-being, themes she first explored in her highly popular 2022 podcast, Archetypes. Her ability to command attention at major international events underscores her status as a leading humanitarian and media figure, often appearing alongside Prince Harry to amplify their joint causes.

5. Navigating Family Life and Personal Relationships

The Duchess's life in 2025 is also defined by her role as a mother to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and her commitment to privacy. The family's life in Montecito is carefully guarded, but the year brought moments of personal connection. In December 2025, the Duchess reportedly reached out to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, following news of his hospitalization, demonstrating a compassionate and private attempt to mend familial ties.

This personal chapter is crucial to her narrative, balancing the demands of a global career with the realities of family complexities, a theme that resonates deeply with her audience. Her focus remains on building a stable and supportive environment for her children while managing the intense public scrutiny that surrounds the Sussex family.

The Legacy of the Duchess of Sussex

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has forged a unique path, transforming from a successful Hollywood actress into a royal figure, and finally into a global entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her current work with 'As Ever' and Archewell is not merely a post-royal career, but a calculated strategy to build a lasting legacy based on her core values: advocacy, creativity, and community. Entities like the Archewell Foundation and her media ventures ensure her influence extends far beyond the traditional boundaries of the British Royal Family, cementing her status as a modern, independent, and powerful global voice.

The Duchess continues to challenge expectations, using her platform to drive change and to redefine what it means to be a public figure in the 21st century. Her journey, from the set of Suits to the halls of Windsor Castle and now to the entrepreneurial stage, is a testament to her resilience and ambition.