Meghan Markle’s latest attempt to relaunch herself as a lifestyle mogul is being labeled as a desperate bid to stay relevant in Hollywood, sources say. After facing setbacks with her initial lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, the Duchess of Sussex recently rebranded it as As Ever, announcing the change on Instagram.
While she presented the shift as a natural evolution, insiders claim the move was an embarrassing necessity following legal complications that blocked her from trademarking her original brand name.
“She’s trying to deflect from what a disaster the first launch was,” a source revealed. “People think she’s avoiding the issue and hoping nobody notices the setback.”
Hollywood Pressure Mounts as Meghan’s Brand Faces Scrutiny
The former actress has faced increasing challenges in recent years as multiple projects have failed to gain traction. With her husband, Prince Harry, also struggling to maintain public interest in their joint ventures, As Ever and her upcoming Netflix cooking show With Love, Meghan are now seen as make-or-break moments.
“There’s a lot riding on this,” the insider said. “If the show flops, Meghan and Harry will be right back to square one, scrambling to figure out their next move.”
Adding to the scrutiny, Markle has been criticized for what some see as a blatant attempt to mirror Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop empire. Her new brand is expected to feature a mix of lifestyle products, including home goods and wellness items—strikingly similar to Paltrow’s business model.
Social Media Moves Raise Eyebrows
As part of her rebranding efforts, Markle has been sharing more personal glimpses into her life, including photos of her children—something she has historically avoided.
“She’s obviously trying to be more relatable to her followers,” a source explained. “It’s a calculated move. She knows people are curious about her life, so she’s giving them just enough to keep them interested.”
Despite her cheerful social media presence, insiders claim the pressure is taking a toll behind the scenes.
“She’s putting on a brave face, but the stress is getting to her,” one source noted. “People close to Meghan are worried. If this brand doesn’t succeed, she could be in danger of fading into obscurity.”
What’s Next for Meghan and Harry?
With their Netflix deal still in place, Markle and Prince Harry are banking on the success of their upcoming projects to secure their Hollywood future. However, after the failure of Harry’s Netflix polo documentary and the cancellation of Markle’s $20 million Spotify podcast deal, industry experts are skeptical about their long-term viability.
“If they can’t make these new ventures work, it will be difficult for them to keep their Hollywood connections strong,” an insider said. “They need a win—and fast.”
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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