The Unfolding Saga: 7 Major Milestones In Meghan Markle's Post-Royal Life And Her New Empire, 'As Ever'

The narrative of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, continues to be one of the most compelling and closely watched stories in the world, especially as of this December 12, 2025. Her journey—from a successful Hollywood actress to a senior member of the British royal family and now to a media mogul and entrepreneur—is a modern tale of reinvention. The latest developments focus on her ambitious new lifestyle brand and her ongoing philanthropic and production work alongside Prince Harry, cementing her status as a global figure operating entirely on her own terms.

The past year has been defined by significant new projects, including a major documentary announcement and the highly anticipated launch of her business venture. This comprehensive look at her story provides a fresh perspective on her life in Montecito, her professional pivot, and the enduring impact of the Archewell entities.

Complete Biography and Profile of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (born Rachel Meghan Markle), is an American member of the British royal family, a former actress, a women's advocate, an entrepreneur, and a media personality.

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• Full Name: Rachel Meghan Markle
• Date of Birth: August 4, 1981
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Education: Northwestern University (Theater and International Relations)
• Spouse: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (m. 2018)
• Children: Prince Archie of Sussex, Princess Lilibet of Sussex
• Former Occupation: Actress (Best known for playing Rachel Zane in the TV drama Suits from 2011–2018)
• Current Titles: Duchess of Sussex, Countess of Dumbarton, Baroness Kilkeel
• Current Ventures: Co-founder of Archewell Foundation, Co-founder of Archewell Productions, Founder of lifestyle brand 'As Ever' (formerly American Riviera Orchard)
• Notable Philanthropy: World Vision Clean Water Campaign, UN Women, Project Healthy Minds
• Residence: Montecito, California, U.S.

The Pivot to Entrepreneurship: The Launch of 'As Ever'

The most significant and talked-about development in Meghan Markle’s professional life recently is the launch of her new lifestyle brand. Initially introduced with a stylish video and an Instagram return under the name American Riviera Orchard (ARO), the brand has since undergone a slight rebranding.

From ARO to 'As Ever': A New Chapter in Lifestyle

The initial fanfare surrounding American Riviera Orchard, a name referencing the Santa Barbara area where she resides, quickly captured public attention. The brand is a clear nod to her earlier lifestyle blog, The Tig, which she shut down prior to her royal engagement.

In a move that signifies an evolving strategy, the brand's name has reportedly been updated to 'As Ever'. This new company is set to feature a range of products, including the highly anticipated fruit preserves, as well as home goods, kitchenware, and a vast array of other lifestyle products.

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The first tangible product—a jar of artisanal jam—was gifted to close friends and influencers, generating significant buzz and setting the tone for a high-end, curated collection. This venture positions Meghan as a serious entrepreneur, leveraging her personal brand and love for entertaining, home decor, and food. The brand's focus on quality and luxury is expected to resonate with consumers interested in the "Montecito lifestyle."

7 Major Milestones in the Sussexes' Independent Career (2020-2025)

Since stepping back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan have meticulously built a new, independent career focused on media production, publishing, and global philanthropy. Their move to North America marked a clear delineation from the traditional royal path, allowing them to pursue projects that align with their core values of compassion, community, and mental health advocacy.

1. The Founding of Archewell (2020): The umbrella organization, named after their son Archie, encompasses the non-profit Archewell Foundation and the for-profit Archewell Productions and Archewell Audio. Its mission is centered on "showing up, doing good."
2. The Spotify Deal and Archetypes Podcast (2020-2023): Meghan's solo podcast, Archetypes, focused on deconstructing the labels that hold women back. The show was a critical success, demonstrating her power as a solo interviewer and host.
3. The Netflix Documentary Harry & Meghan (2022): This six-part docuseries provided an unprecedented, intimate look into their lives, their relationship, and their decision to leave the United Kingdom, becoming a major cultural moment for the streaming platform.
4. Prince Harry's Memoir Spare (2023): While not Meghan's project, the book's release and the subsequent media storm significantly defined the couple's public narrative and their relationship with the British media.
5. The 'Cookie Queens' Documentary Announcement (Recent): Archewell Productions recently announced a new documentary project where the couple will serve as executive producers. Titled Cookie Queens, the film will spotlight four ambitious Girl Scouts and their entrepreneurial journeys, tying into themes of female empowerment and business acumen.
6. Humanitarian Recognition (Recent): The couple were honored with the Humanitarians of the Year Award from Project Healthy Minds, a non-profit focused on mental health. This award validates their commitment to mental wellness advocacy, a core pillar of the Archewell Foundation's work.
7. The Launch and Rebrand of 'As Ever' (2024-2025): The definitive step into the business world with her lifestyle brand, marking a full circle return to the lifestyle content space she enjoyed with The Tig, but on a much grander, global scale.

The Enduring Impact of The Archewell Foundation

The Archewell Foundation remains the heart of the Sussexes' charitable work, serving as a vehicle for their global activism and advocacy. In 2025, the foundation has faced and successfully navigated scrutiny, while also continuing to launch important initiatives.

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Combating Misinformation and Advocating for Youth

Recently, the foundation has been in the news for addressing and debunking allegations regarding its financial reporting and donations. A new report successfully clarified and refuted claims that the foundation was "missing millions," reinforcing its commitment to transparency and its legitimate charitable operations.

Furthermore, the foundation has taken a strong stance on contemporary issues affecting young people. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issued a joint statement through Archewell to support Australia's decision to ban social media for under-16s, highlighting their focus on the mental health and safety of children, including their own, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This advocacy work demonstrates their willingness to engage directly with policy and societal challenges.

The foundation’s work is deeply integrated with the couple's production company, Archewell Productions, which aims to produce content that informs, elevates, and inspires. The Cookie Queens documentary is a perfect example of this synergy, blending their media platform with the foundation’s mission to support community and female leadership.

In a world where celebrity influence is often fleeting, Meghan Markle’s story is a testament to strategic evolution. She has successfully transitioned from an actress to a senior royal, and now, a powerful, independent figure in the media and business landscape. Her focus on her family, her commitment to the Archewell mission, and the burgeoning potential of her 'As Ever' brand ensure that the next chapter of her saga will be just as fascinating to follow.