Just Hours After U.K. Landing, Meghan Markle’s Brand As Ever Makes a Surprise Move
Business ventures, potential screen roles, and a stronger network—Meghan Markle is moving forward on her own terms this time.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially returned to Britain with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and while their move is dominating headlines, the Duchess's brand, As Ever, has made a surprising reveal. Markle launched the brand after moving to California, and it quickly became closely tied to her identity. Now that she has moved to the UK, she will reportedly continue running it, contrary to speculations of her abandoning it.
The family touched down at Birmingham Airport on Wednesday afternoon via private jet, ahead of the new school term. Archie and Lilibet are expected to start at their new schools in September, while Harry and Meghan are understood to be setting up a private, non-royal base in the UK for an extended stay. Just hours after landing back in Britain, Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, made a surprise announcement.
The brand announced the launch of a new seasonal product, Spiced Apple Butter, just as autumn approaches. Sharing an image of the new spread on social media alongside fresh apples, the brand captioned the post, "Introducing Spiced Apple Butter. A sweet taste of late summer, arriving tomorrow, August 26." The launch had already been teased in the days leading up to its release, with the brand sharing a picture of the jar's lid bearing the words, "A fall favourite. Coming soon."
The timing of the announcement has naturally caught attention, coming almost immediately after Markle's return to the country where her royal life once unfolded. While many are wondering whether, now that Markle and Harry are in the UK, they will resume royal duties or reconcile with their family, according to PEOPLE, nothing of that sort is on the cards.
While the Sussexes will remain private, non-working members of the royal family, Markle is coming back with a career and business empire of her own, including As Ever, as well as a stronger professional support network. Reflecting on how much she has grown over the last six years, a source told the outlet, "She has been vocal about how she felt about it before, but that doesn’t mean things are going to be exactly the same again. It doesn’t mean it can’t be different and can’t change."
Another source highlighted that her support network is "stronger now than it ever was to protect her—to protect them." Still, things won't be a cakewalk for the Duchess. Expressing concern over the intense scrutiny, a close friend told the outlet, "My biggest concern is the level of media attention she’ll face in the U.K. I’m worried for her." Apart from the prospects of her brand, Markle is reportedly in talks for a role in the third season of Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen, though nothing has been officially announced.
