Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, 44, continues to draw attention for using her royal title in commercial ventures after stepping back as a senior royal on March 31, 2020. She now runs several businesses, including the As Ever lifestyle brand, Archewell Productions, and podcast partnerships. Critics argue that invoking the “Duchess of Sussex” title in public-facing projects blurs the line between personal branding and royal protocol.
British broadcaster Helena Chard commented on November 24, 2025: “This is not protocol, let alone royal protocol.” Some analysts suggest Meghan may leverage her title to boost visibility and appeal, especially in the United States. The debate highlights the tension between entrepreneurial freedom and adherence to traditions once expected of senior royals. Here’s what’s happening across her ventures and media presence.
Business Ventures Under the Spotlight
Meghan’s As Ever brand launched its first collection on April 2, 2025, reportedly selling out in under an hour. Her production company, Archewell Productions, secured a five-year, $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020. While the “Harry & Meghan” series initially drew strong viewership, later projects like “With Love, Meghan” struggled to replicate that success, with reports indicating the show did not break Netflix’s top 300 rankings.
Spotify’s initial partnership was valued at roughly $20 million but was terminated before the full payout was made. Archewell employs approximately 16 staff members as of December, following an earlier period of turnover. Helena Chard observed in November 2025: “The title remains useful for Meghan’s business activities, particularly in the United States.” The ongoing discussion reflects how visibility, branding, and royal protocol continue to intersect in Meghan’s ventures.
Gift Basket Sparks Debate
On April 28, 2025, Meghan sent a gift basket to Jamie Kern Lima featuring As Ever jam products. The enclosed card read, “With Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.” Meghan’s representatives emphasized that it was a personal gesture without commercial intent.
Still, royal observers like Hilary Fordwich noted that using her title in this context blurred the line between personal goodwill and brand promotion. Critics argue that even small gestures, such as gift baskets or formal notes, contribute to a perception that her royal title enhances her commercial activities, keeping her under scrutiny from media and protocol experts alike.
Harper’s Bazaar Feature Raises Questions
The December 2025/January 2026 issue of Harper’s Bazaar featured an in-depth interview with Meghan, formally introduced as “The Duchess of Sussex.” Journalist Kaitlyn Greenidge described her choice of the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills as “a calculated choice” to maximize public exposure.
The feature renewed discussions on whether such positioning, alongside formal title usage, aligns with the expectations set out for former senior royals. Observers argue that deliberate media placements, coupled with branding decisions, may reinforce Meghan’s public visibility while sparking debate over the appropriate use of royal titles in commercial or promotional contexts.
Royal Protocol and Strategic Use of Titles
The Sandringham Agreement, signed in March 2020, instructed Meghan and Prince Harry to avoid public or commercial use of HRH titles while retaining them privately. Kinsey Schofield, a royal commentator, noted on November 25, 2025: “Harry and Meghan aren’t supposed to use their titles for profit, but they obviously do.”
Meghan has continued referencing her title through gift notes, product branding, and public statements. Hilary Fordwich suggested that her title is integral to her branding strategy. By emphasizing her royal status, Meghan boosts commercial prestige, but this visibility also draws scrutiny over adherence to royal tradition and the monarchy’s expectations for former senior members.
Media Deals and Brand Visibility
Netflix’s initial $100 million deal in 2020 included the “Harry & Meghan” documentary. Later projects, including “With Love, Meghan,” were less commercially successful, and the original contract was not renewed in the fall of 2025. Media experts suggest Meghan’s title helped attract early attention, though its long-term impact on business performance is debated.
As Ever’s branding prominently features her royal status, blending lifestyle marketing with royal heritage. The Harper’s Bazaar cover alone reached an estimated print audience of 740,000 in the U.S., with millions more online. Observers continue to evaluate how title usage influences visibility while raising questions about the balance between personal branding and protocol.
Critics Highlight Risks to the Monarchy
Helena Chard stated in November: “Meghan will cling to her Duchess of Sussex title because it gives her a sense of importance.” Kinsey Schofield added: “It raises questions about whether the Sussexes are engaging in cash for access or commercial endorsement.” Analysts warn that even subtle uses of royal titles may erode the monarchy’s credibility, reinforcing the need for public trust and a perception of selflessness.
Organizational turnover at Archewell, mixed financial results, and highly visible branding decisions underscore the challenges of balancing entrepreneurial pursuits with royal legacy. The ongoing commentary underscores the evolving intersection of modern celebrity, royal tradition, and personal business ventures, highlighting the complex expectations placed on former senior royals.
Scrutiny and Legacy
Meghan Markle’s use of her royal title continues to spark debate, as it blends personal entrepreneurship with longstanding royal traditions. Experts observe that while her title bolsters the business’s visibility, it also risks undermining the public’s perceptions of the monarchy’s impartiality and selflessness. Her ventures, from As Ever to Archewell Productions, illustrate both the opportunities and controversies inherent in high-profile branding decisions.
The conversation over royal protocol versus commercial activity shows no sign of fading. As Kinsey Schofield noted, “The institution must appear selfless and community-focused to maintain public trust.” Meghan’s approach highlights the careful balancing act required to navigate modern celebrity while respecting historical expectations and public perception.
Sources:
Fox News Digital royal commentary, November 2025
Harper’s Bazaar December 2025/January 2026 issue interview
People Magazine coverage of As Ever launch and HRH title incidents, April 2025
BBC News reporting on HRH title controversy, April 29, 2025
Netflix deal and streaming engagement data, 2020–2025
Archewell Foundation IRS filings and official impact report, 2021–2022