Meghan Markle has spoken publicly about her Netflix partnership and the future of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, marking her first detailed comments since signing the streaming deal with her husband, Prince Harry.
The Duchess of Sussex appeared in Washington, D.C., on October 14 at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit. During a session titled “Next Level Influence: A Conversation With Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,” she discussed her media work since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. She spoke with Alyson Shontell, Fortune’s Editor-in-Chief and Chief Content Officer, about her ongoing projects and the evolution of her brand.
Prince Harry and Meghan signed a reported $100 million deal with Netflix shortly after leaving the UK. Earlier this year, the couple extended the agreement under their Archewell Productions banner with a new multi-year, first-look deal covering film and television projects.
Meghan explained, “My husband and I were in an overall deal with Netflix then, not dissimilar to Higher Ground and the Obamas’ deal. Once that had come to its term, the extension of it — which was such an incredible sign of the strength of our partnership — was now being in a first-look deal. This is exciting because it gives us flexibility to go to our partners first, while also shopping content that might not fit Netflix but has a home elsewhere.”
Regarding her Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, Markle confirmed a holiday special is set to release in November. She noted that the show has been a learning experience, and the couple is exploring different formats to offer content in shorter, more accessible ways. “It’s amazing to sit and watch a show for 30 minutes, but how can I give you a recipe in two minutes? And where can I share that with you? That’s how As Ever continues to grow,” she said.
Meghan also reflected on her experience in television, referencing her seven-year run on Suits and her background in producing engaging content. She joked about the unexpected trajectory of her career since leaving acting, saying, “That’s not the full circle I was expecting, but here we are,” recalling her time teaching advanced gift wrapping between auditions.
The event comes shortly after Meghan and Harry’s recent trip to New York City, highlighting their continued focus on media, production, and philanthropic ventures. With the Netflix first-look deal, Archewell Productions can present content to other platforms if it doesn’t align with Netflix’s programming, giving the couple greater flexibility in choosing projects.
Markle’s comments signal an ongoing commitment to developing diverse media content, blending lifestyle, entertainment, and personal storytelling. Fans of the With Love, Meghan series can anticipate both seasonal specials and innovative short-form content as part of the As Ever brand.
The Duchess emphasized that her work is evolving with audience preferences in mind, offering shorter, digestible content alongside longer episodes. She stressed the importance of experimenting with formats to reach viewers in meaningful ways while maintaining quality production.
As the Netflix partnership continues, Meghan and Harry aim to leverage their platform for storytelling that aligns with their values and creative vision. Markle’s remarks provide insight into how the couple intends to expand their media footprint while maintaining a balance between personal projects and socially conscious content.
