Meghan Markle is preparing to launch a new podcast series, a move that coincides with King Charles III and Queen Camilla's high-profile state visit to Italy next month. The Duchess of Sussex's announcement comes amid a surge in online interest, as her latest merchandise release caused several retail websites to crash.
Markle unveiled her new podcast, titled Confessions of a Female Founder, through Lemonada Media. Describing it as "candid conversations" with "amazing women" about their professional journeys, she revealed that a trailer for the eight-part series would drop tomorrow, with the first episode set to be available on April 8. The series aligns with the expansion of her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
The timing of the podcast's release places it squarely in the middle of King Charles and Queen Camilla's tour of Italy, which runs from April 7 to April 10. Buckingham Palace confirmed last week that the royal couple will travel to Rome and Ravenna, with a meeting with Pope Francis included in the itinerary. The trip also coincides with the couple's 20th wedding anniversary on April 9.
This is not the first instance of Markle's projects coinciding with significant royal events. In 2022, the trailer for her and Prince Harry's Netflix documentary was released during the Prince and Princess of Wales' visit to Boston for the Earthshot Prize. Additionally, in 2019, Markle reportedly upset Queen Camilla after photos of her private visit to the National Theatre were published on the same day Camilla delivered a key speech on domestic violence.
Earlier this month, Markle took to Instagram to share her excitement about the podcast, writing that recording the episodes was "absolutely eye-opening, inspiring...and fun!" She added, "Because what's the point if we can't have some fun on this wild adventure?"
Separately, Markle's latest business venture caused technical disruptions across several retail websites. She launched an online shop connected to her As Ever brand, featuring luxury items such as a £1,068 "Windsor" gown, £600 Saint Laurent sandals, and jewelry pieces priced between £200 and £400. In a video shared with her 2.6 million Instagram followers, Markle wrote, "Many of you have asked, so here you go! A little shopping to start the week."
Following the shop's debut, third-party retailers reported crashes as fans scrambled to purchase featured items, particularly the Saint Laurent tan mules Meghan has worn publicly.
The collection features predominantly neutral-colored basics, including linen shirts, sunglasses, handbags, and crewneck sweaters. Markle described the curated selection as reflective of her own wardrobe preferences, offering a mix of brands like Heidi Merrick, J Crew, Reformation, and Saint Laurent.
Adding to the publicity, Markle shared a rare personal photo featuring her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in the garden of their Montecito home. Captioned "Every day is a love story" with a dove emoji, the image shows Markle holding three-year-old Lilibet while five-year-old Archie stands beside her.
On the royal front, King Charles' Italy trip will feature several historic milestones. He will become the first British monarch since the Reformation to visit the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls and will address both houses of Italy's parliament. The tour includes audiences with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, along with a black-tie banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale.
Additionally, the UK and Italy's defense cooperation will be highlighted through a joint flypast by the RAF's Red Arrows and Italy's Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team. In Ravenna, Charles and Camilla will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the province's liberation from Nazi occupation and celebrate literary culture with visits to Dante's tomb and the Byron museum.
