Meghan Markle Wants to Go Big With Her Brand in 2026 — but Not Everyone Is Buying It
One PR expert believes that while Meghan Markle is trying to build momentum around As Ever, the new changes might make her brand feel unfocused.
Since stepping back as a senior working royal in 2020, Meghan Markle has consistently worked to expand her portfolio in the lifestyle sector. With that goal in mind, she launched American Riviera Orchard in 2024, which was later rebranded as As Ever. In 2026, she is reportedly preparing to further scale her vision by introducing new products as well as authoring a new cookbook. Adding to this conversation, one PR expert believes that while the Duchess is trying to build momentum, the new changes might make her brand feel unfocused.
As per GB News, sources suggest that "2026 is going to be a big year" for Markle when it comes to her lifestyle brand. But with appreciation, PR expert Renae Smith also has a word of caution for the 44-year-old for what she described as a ‘reactive approach’ as the brand evolves. “We can’t deny she has the ingredients for a long-lasting brand within her existing fanbase,” Smith opined, while also adding, “But it’s got to stop feeling so reactive.” To rise above in 2026, the expert suggested that Markle needs to move with ‘clarity’ and ‘consistency’ in her messaging.
Smith further suggested that the Duchess needs to take a firm stand on whether the new chapter is about “commerce, culture, or personal reinvention” because if she tries to do all three at the same time, then things might not work in her favor. Talking about her reported cookbook plans, the PR expert highlighted, “Will a cookbook pay the bills? No. But it could be part of a broader narrative, one that leans into homemaking, food, comfort, and simplicity.” Smith observed that by distancing herself from controversies and stepping into a more “Martha Stewart meets Eat Pray Love” aesthetic, Markle would not only streamline the brand but would also find long-term commercial success.
According to sources close to As Ever, Markle plans to pull back on some early staples in favor of new categories. Items such as biscuits and crepe kits are expected to be removed from the website, with homeware taking a bigger role. One insider noted, “Meghan is looking at a cookbook for early 2026, and there will be more lifestyle products coming in the spring.” The source continued, “There will be more wine and definitely more homeware too.” The fresh shake-up comes after Markle and her lifestyle brand were making rounds on the internet following a brief website glitch that exposed inventory figures to customers.
As the images shared by users went viral on the internet, many suggested that high stock numbers suggest weak sales. But sources with knowledge of the business pushed back, suggesting that the figures suggested strong demand and international expansion. “While it’s normal for a business not to talk about sales data, I think it’s fair to say that the glitch that led to this data being revealed points to a business that isn’t just successful — it’s flying, literally off the shelf,” a source told PEOPLE.
