Who is Meghan Markle?
That’s the question many are asking as Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, prepares to premiere her new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, on March 4. For years, the world has debated who she really is: a survivor, a victim, or a disruptor of the royal family’s traditions. Some, like Spotify executive Bill Simmons, have labeled her and her husband, Prince Harry, as “grifters,” while others see her as one of the most trolled people in the world. Even TV personality Bethenny Frankel has weighed in, suggesting that Markle’s struggle to win over the public stems from a lack of clarity around her identity. As her new show approaches, Markle is attempting to redefine herself and offer a more authentic glimpse into her life, but it’s an uphill battle.
Going Back to Her Roots
Markle’s new show seems to be an effort to reconnect with her pre-royal life, embracing a more down-to-earth, California-inspired lifestyle. The series will feature her cooking, gardening, hosting, and even beekeeping, with occasional appearances by celebrity friends like Mindy Kaling. In a recent interview, Kaling dispelled the notion that Markle is “fussy” or overly formal, describing her as someone who enjoys being in her own space and doing her own thing. A TV insider described the show as “joyous” and emphasized that Markle isn’t trying to present herself as perfect—just genuine. This new image is a far cry from the ball-gown-wearing, grand-breezeway-standing persona she teased in earlier promos. Now, she’s embracing a laid-back vibe, with glowing skin, tousled hair, and a focus on simplicity.
The Rebranding of As Ever
Coinciding with the show’s release, Markle is also rebranding her lifestyle range, which was previously called American Riviera Orchard. The new name, As Ever, reflects her personal style and the playful way she signs off letters and notes. The branding includes a logo with a palm tree—a nod to her California home—and two hummingbirds, a favorite of Prince Harry’s. However, the rebranding hasn’t been without its challenges. The name As Ever is already in use by a New York-based clothing brand, and the show’s release has been complicated by the fact that the products won’t be available for sale until months after the premiere. Despite this, Markle’s team insists that the decisions weren’t last-minute and that she’s been working closely with Netflix to bring her vision to life.
A Glimpse into Markle’s Life
The show offers a rare look at Markle’s life outside of the royal spotlight, showcasing her hobbies, friendships, and family. Prince Harry makes only a brief appearance, but the couple’s children, Archie and Lilibet, are subtly included in the branding and imagery. Markle has also shared glimpses of her personal life on Instagram, including a vision board for 2025 that hints at her future projects. The board features farm-fresh eggs, carrots, and sweet treats, as well as a black-and-white photo of her with Alice Waters, a pioneering farm-to-table chef who appears in the show. There’s also a heartfelt memento made by her son Archie and a photo of her late dog Guy, revealing a side of her that’s deeply personal and relatable.
Challenges and Controversies
Not everything has gone smoothly for Markle. The rebranding of her lifestyle range has been marred by trademark issues, including a dispute with a New York-based clothing brand that has been using the name As Ever for years. Additionally, the logo for her brand has drawn criticism from the mayor of Porreres, Spain, who claims it is nearly identical to the town’s 14th-century coat of arms. These challenges have added to the scrutiny Markle already faces, particularly regarding her business ventures and her decision to step back from royal duties.
A Life of Resilience and Reinvention
Despite the headlines and controversies, Markle and Prince Harry are said to be happy in their new life in California. A friend describes Markle as “back in her element,” finally able to share her passions for cooking, crafting, and inspiring others. The show With Love, Meghan is not just a lifestyle series—it’s a reflection of her journey of self-discovery and reinvention. Whether you love her or hate her, as one insider put it, people are undeniably fascinated by her. As Markle continues to navigate the challenges of fame, business, and family, her new show offers a chance to redefine her public image and connect with audiences on a more personal level. For now, it seems Meghan Markle is ready to tell her story, her way.
