Public interest in the relationship between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the British Royal Family remains high. In recent years, media coverage has frequently speculated about reconciliation efforts, business priorities, and the impact of ongoing royal controversies. However, it is important to distinguish between confirmed facts and unverified commentary.
The Sussexes’ Step Back From Royal Duties
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back as senior working members of the Royal Family. Buckingham Palace later confirmed that the couple would no longer use their “HRH” (His/Her Royal Highness) styles in practice and would cease receiving public funding for royal duties.
The agreement, often referred to as “Megxit” in media coverage, formalized their transition to financial independence. The couple subsequently relocated to California, where they now reside in Montecito with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
This arrangement remains in place, and there has been no official announcement reversing that decision.
Meghan Markle’s Business and Media Projects
Since relocating to the United States, Meghan has launched and participated in several commercial and media initiatives.
Netflix Partnership
In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan signed a production deal with Netflix. The streaming platform confirmed the agreement publicly. One of the projects produced under the partnership was the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan, which became one of Netflix’s most-watched documentary debuts.
Netflix has not publicly disclosed specific financial details of the agreement. Media outlets have reported that the original arrangement was a multi-year deal; however, Netflix and Archewell Productions have not confirmed reductions or cancellations beyond individual project outcomes.
As with most streaming partnerships, project renewals depend on viewership performance and strategic planning, but official statements regarding contract changes have been limited.
Lifestyle and Brand Ventures
Meghan has also pursued lifestyle branding initiatives. In 2024, she announced the launch of a lifestyle brand under the name “American Riviera Orchard,” later reported to have transitioned toward the brand name “As Ever.” Trademark filings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office confirm that applications were submitted for various home and food-related goods.
Publicly available records show that trademark filings are part of the standard process for launching a consumer brand. However, detailed financial performance data for the brand has not been released through official channels.
It is common for public figures to separate commercial activities from family matters, particularly when managing independent businesses.
Relationship With the Royal Family
Prince Harry has publicly spoken about his relationship with his family in interviews and in his memoir, Spare, published in January 2023. In the book and related interviews, he discussed personal tensions and challenges within the Royal Family.
Despite media speculation about reconciliation, Buckingham Palace rarely comments on private family matters. Official royal communications typically focus on public engagements and constitutional duties.
Meetings With King Charles III
Following the announcement in early 2024 that King Charles III was receiving treatment for cancer, Prince Harry traveled to the United Kingdom and met privately with his father. Buckingham Palace confirmed the King’s diagnosis but did not release detailed information about the content of private family meetings.
No official statement has suggested that Meghan Markle has placed conditions on Prince Harry’s contact with his family. Reports describing “strict demands” or private instructions have not been substantiated by formal statements from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex or from Buckingham Palace.
Prince Andrew and Epstein-Related Coverage
Media coverage of the Royal Family has also included ongoing public interest in Prince Andrew’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019. In 2022, he reached an out-of-court settlement in a U.S. civil case brought by Virginia Giuffre. The settlement included no admission of liability. Buckingham Palace previously confirmed that Prince Andrew’s military affiliations and royal patronages were returned to Queen Elizabeth II.
It is important to note that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been implicated in Epstein-related investigations. There are no official findings suggesting their involvement.
Responsible reporting requires clear separation between confirmed legal proceedings and speculation about extended family members.
Media Commentary vs. Official Statements
Some royal commentators and tabloid outlets have suggested that Meghan Markle may wish to distance her brand from royal controversies. However, such claims remain speculative unless confirmed by direct statements from Meghan, Prince Harry, or their representatives.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex operate through their Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions. Official communications are typically released through those channels or through verified interviews.
To date, no official communication has stated that Meghan has issued “demands” regarding Prince Harry’s contact with the Royal Family.
Public Appearances and UK Visits
Meghan Markle has returned to the United Kingdom on limited occasions since stepping back from royal duties, including for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.
Prince Harry has made additional visits to the UK for legal matters and charitable events, including those related to the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014 to support wounded service personnel and veterans.
Invictus Games remains one of Prince Harry’s primary public commitments and continues to receive international attention.
The Sussexes’ Current Focus
Public records and verified reporting indicate that Prince Harry and Meghan are currently focused on:
- Archewell Foundation philanthropic initiatives
- Media production projects
- Commercial brand development
- Raising their two children in California
Like many public figures, they balance personal relationships with professional responsibilities. However, detailed private family discussions are not publicly documented.
Conclusion
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020 and have since built independent professional ventures in the United States. Meghan has pursued media and lifestyle branding initiatives, while Prince Harry continues his work with the Invictus Games and other causes.
Although media reports frequently speculate about tensions or strategic distancing from royal controversies, there are no official statements confirming that Meghan has issued directives regarding Prince Harry’s contact with his family.
As with many high-profile families, private matters are often not publicly disclosed. For accurate updates, readers should rely on official announcements from Buckingham Palace, Archewell, and established news organizations rather than unverified commentary.
The Sussexes’ future relationship with the Royal Family remains a matter of private family dynamics, while their public work continues through documented charitable and commercial initiatives.