King Charles III, Meghan Markle, and the streaming giant Netflix have become the focus of renewed royal speculation after the Duchess of Sussex ended the platform's involvement in her lifestyle brand As Ever, a move that some royal observers say could create a small opening for improved relations within the British royal family.
The shift in Meghan Markle's business arrangement with Netflix was confirmed this week when both parties announced that the partnership around the duchess's home and lifestyle brand had concluded. The development arrives six years after Meghan and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who previously served then-Prince Charles, said the moment could prompt the monarch to quietly signal goodwill toward the duchess.
Speaking on behalf of CasinoHawks, Harrold described Meghan's decision to end the collaboration with Netflix as "a strange decision." He suggested the timing of the move and its symbolism may matter as much as the business strategy behind it.
Netflix framed the separation in positive terms. In a statement accompanying the announcement, the company praised Meghan's vision, saying her "passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As Ever brand." The streaming service also emphasized that the project was "always intended" to become an independent venture.
Representatives for Meghan similarly characterized the transition as a strategic step forward rather than a retreat from the partnership.
According to statements attributed to Meghan's team, the brand had experienced "meaningful and rapid growth" and was now "ready to stand on its own."
The lifestyle venture forms part of a broader commercial strategy pursued by Meghan and Prince Harry after their departure from royal duties. Since relocating to California, the couple has pursued multiple media and publishing agreements, including documentary productions and book deals.
Harrold noted that Meghan's business ambitions predate her entry into the royal family. Before her engagement to Prince Harry, she operated The Tig, a lifestyle blog that built a substantial audience before it was shut down when the relationship with the prince became public.
Harrold said that earlier project demonstrated that Meghan "knows what she's doing in this area."
The timing of the announcement also drew attention because it coincided with the anniversary of the couple's final official engagement as working royals, the Commonwealth Day Service in March 2020.
Harrold said the period could be "a very reflective time for the couple."
He suggested the moment might prompt both the Sussexes and the royal household to reconsider the long-running tensions that followed their departure from royal life.
Harrold also addressed speculation about the possibility that Meghan's brand could expand into the United Kingdom, a step that could place the duchess's commercial products directly within the country tied to the monarchy she once served.
According to Harrold, King Charles would likely have "no issues" with Meghan marketing her products in Britain.
The former palace aide also speculated about how a subtle gesture of support might appear if the brand eventually launches there.
Harrold said the monarch could signal goodwill quietly, perhaps by displaying items from the brand during a private visit involving Prince Harry.
He described such a gesture as "a subtle little sign of support."
The idea reflects a broader characteristic of royal diplomacy, where signals of reconciliation often emerge through symbolic actions rather than public statements.
