Meghan Markle is working to reestablish her Hollywood presence as she faces mounting challenges with her business ventures and Netflix show. The Duchess of Sussex has reportedly been building a new circle of high-profile allies to support her latest projects, including her lifestyle brand As Ever and upcoming Netflix series With Love, Meghan. The rebranding of her company-previously called American Riviera Orchard-was necessitated after her trademark application was denied for being "primarily geographically descriptive," according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Markle, 43, is said to be strategically aligning herself with successful women in entertainment and business after seeing her relationships with past celebrity friends fade. "The days of cozying up to power couples, who ultimately left her feeling snubbed, are firmly behind her," a source told RadarOnline. Markle is now reportedly forming closer ties with figures such as Mindy Kaling, Jessica Alba, and Kerry Washington, whom she sees as influential allies in her effort to reshape her brand.
Her efforts come amid continued setbacks in her post-royal career. After stepping back from official royal duties in 2020 with Prince Harry, Markle has encountered obstacles in her pursuit of commercial success. Her $20 million Spotify deal collapsed, a planned Netflix polo documentary was scrapped, and reports have emerged of strained relationships with former high-profile acquaintances including David and Victoria Beckham, George Clooney, and Tom Cruise.
The Duchess' latest pivot hinges on the success of her As Ever brand, which initially launched with small-batch jam sent to select Montecito friends. The product line has yet to reach full-scale production, and local suppliers have reportedly been unaware of any large-scale business operations. Markle has assured followers that additional offerings will be released soon, though no official partnerships with food manufacturers have been confirmed.
Simultaneously, Markle is preparing for the debut of her Netflix cooking and lifestyle series, which was initially slated for a January release but was postponed due to the L.A. wildfires. The series, positioned as an intimate look into her home life and personal values, is viewed as a critical component of her rebranding strategy. "She's eager to surround herself with as many supportive friends as possible," a source close to Markle said. "The women she's engaging with now are incredibly well-connected, and she knows she needs their backing for her ventures to succeed."
Beyond professional concerns, Markle's personal life has also drawn scrutiny. Reports suggest that Prince Harry has been spending more time apart from her and their children, Archie and Lilibet, as he pursues his humanitarian work. Sources claim that the couple has faced tensions behind closed doors, with Markle frustrated by the challenges they have encountered in Hollywood.
Adding to the speculation, Markle has reportedly reached out to Princess Kate in hopes of brokering a reconciliation between Harry and Prince William, whose relationship remains fractured following revelations from Harry's memoir, "Spare" and the couple's controversial interviews. However, the Prince of Wales is said to have rebuffed any attempts at reconciliation.
