Meghan and Harry's Post-Royal Business Ventures: What Went Wrong?

Since stepping back from their royal duties in March 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have pursued various business ventures with mixed success. Although some projects thrived, others encountered significant challenges.

Early Ventures and Setbacks

One of their early endeavors was Meghan's children's book, "The Bench," published in June 2021. Despite starting as a heartfelt poem for Harry, it did not achieve immediate success, missing the UK Official Top 50 chart during its debut week.

Their venture into podcasting also saw hurdles. After agreeing to a $20 million deal with Spotify in December 2020, they parted ways with the platform in June 2023. Their podcast “Archetypes” did not produce enough content to justify the full payout.

Brand Challenges

Meghan faced trademark issues while rebranding her lifestyle brand from American Riviera Orchard to As Ever by February 2025. Delays and legal snags, including a rejected bid to sell clothing under this brand, presented ongoing problems.

The launch of As Ever products met mixed reviews despite reported earnings. Criticism targeted items like the apricot spread labeled as "runny" by industry experts.

Media Endeavors and Future Plans

Their Netflix partnership faced obstacles too. The second season of "With Love, Meghan" failed to resonate with viewers and critics alike, impacting future potential renewals.

By March 2026, their production company Archewell Productions struggled with project delays, including adaptations that remained undeveloped after years.

The couple ended their partnership with Netflix regarding Meghan’s As Ever brand but expressed intentions to continue independently. A spokesperson emphasized their growth and optimistic outlook for what lies ahead.