Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are currently focused on a massive brand evolution in 2026, centering their efforts on Archewell Philanthropies and a renewed multi-year production deal with Netflix. Following a successful appearance at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival to promote their Girl Scouts documentary, the couple has shifted toward solo public appearances to highlight individual passions, such as Meghan’s lifestyle brand “As Ever” and Harry’s ongoing work with the Invictus Games. While the couple remains settled in their $29 million Montecito estate, 2026 has been marked by significant rumors regarding a potential “half-in, half-out” return to the United Kingdom, contingent upon ongoing legal battles over their security arrangements. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the Sussexes’ latest business moves, including the success of Meghan’s culinary series, their philanthropic response to the California wildfires, and the truth behind the headlines regarding their relationship with the British Royal Family. We also provide practical details for fans looking to support their charitable work or follow their upcoming global tours. Recent Public Appearances Prince Harry and Meghan Markle began 2026 with a high-profile appearance at the Sundance Film Festival in January. The couple attended to support a new documentary produced by Archewell Productions, which explores the history and impact of the Girl Scouts organization. This appearance was seen by industry experts as a strategic move to solidify their standing in Hollywood as serious documentary filmmakers. In February 2026, Meghan Markle made a solo appearance at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala held at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. Dressed in a custom Harbison Studio gown, the Duchess emphasized her commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses and economic equity. Meanwhile, Prince Harry has been active in Santa Barbara, recently visiting local fire stations to discuss wildfire response technology. Archewell Netflix Deal Extension In late 2025, Archewell Productions officially extended its creative partnership with Netflix through a multi-year, first-look deal. This extension ensures that the Sussexes will continue to produce scripted series, documentaries, and feature films for the platform through at least 2027. The deal includes the highly anticipated adaptation of the novel Meet Me at the Lake and a new documentary short titled Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within. One of the biggest successes of this partnership in 2026 is the lifestyle series “With Love, Meghan.” The show, which focuses on cooking, gardening, and entertaining, reportedly became one of the most-watched culinary programs on the platform. A second season is scheduled to premiere in late February 2026, further integrating Meghan’s “As Ever” brand into the digital landscape. Possible UK Summer Return Speculation is mounting regarding a potential return to the United Kingdom in the summer of 2026. Insiders suggest the Duke and Duchess are considering a visit to coincide with Invictus Games anniversary events and private family gatherings. However, this return is heavily dependent on the resolution of Prince Harry’s legal challenges regarding his family’s security status in Britain. Reports indicate that Meghan Markle has outlined specific requirements for any extended UK stay, including secure accommodation at Kensington Palace. The couple’s primary concern remains the safety of their children, Prince Archie (6) and Princess Lilibet (4). While King Charles III is reportedly eager to see his grandchildren, tensions with Prince William and Princess Kate remain a significant hurdle to a full family reconciliation. Montecito Family Life Update The Sussexes continue to reside in their expansive Montecito estate, which they have described as a sanctuary for their children. The property, known for its privacy and lush gardens, serves as the headquarters for their daily operations. Prince Harry has frequently spoken about the “California dream” and the freedom it provides for Archie and Lilibet to grow up outside the royal spotlight. In early 2026, Harry shared details about their domestic life, noting that the children are being raised with an awareness of both their American surroundings and their British heritage. The family is often seen enjoying local Santa Barbara beaches and hiking trails. Meghan has described their home as a place of “joy and calm,” where they focus on building a stable foundation for their family. Archewell Philanthropies Rebrand The couple’s charitable arm has undergone a strategic shift, officially rebranding to Archewell Philanthropies in 2026. This change signals a more defined focus on direct grantmaking and long-term partnerships rather than broad awareness campaigns. Their current priority is “community resilience,” particularly in response to the increasing frequency of natural disasters in California. Through this foundation, the Sussexes have partnered with Watch Duty, an organization providing real-time wildfire information to first responders. Harry and Meghan have personally visited frontline workers to understand the mental and physical toll of emergency services. Their 2026 roadmap includes significant donations to mental health initiatives for firefighters and veterans. Meghan’s Lifestyle Brand “As Ever” Meghan Markle is currently expanding her business portfolio with the global rollout of her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The brand focuses on high-end home goods, organic gardening tools, and specialty food items like preserves and teas. This venture is seen as a modern successor to her former blog, The Tig, and aims to capitalize on the “quiet luxury” aesthetic. The brand’s launch has not been without challenges, including trademark disputes and media scrutiny. However, industry analysts predict that “As Ever” could become a major competitor in the lifestyle market by the end of 2026. The brand is expected to launch a digital marketplace and a series of “pop-up” experiences in major cities like New York and London. Prince Harry’s Global Tours Following the success of their visits to Nigeria and Colombia in previous years, the Sussexes have announced plans for two international tours in 2026. While the specific locations remain under wraps, sources suggest South America and Southeast Asia are high on the list. These tours focus on the Sussexes’ core pillars: youth empowerment, mental health, and military veteran support. These non-royal “working tours” allow Harry and Meghan to engage with global communities on their own terms. Each visit typically includes meetings with local non-profits and visits to schools. The 2026 tours are expected to be filmed as part of an upcoming Netflix documentary series focusing on international philanthropy and cultural exchange. Relations with the Royal Family The relationship between the Sussexes and the House of Windsor remains complex in 2026. While there has been a reported “thaw” in communication between Prince Harry and King Charles III, the rift with Prince William appears to persist. The Duke of Sussex has expressed a desire for his children to know their grandfather, leading to quiet negotiations for private visits. Publicly, the couples have remained mostly separate, with the Royal Family focusing on their own 2026 initiatives, such as the Winter Olympics and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize. Despite the distance, the Sussexes continue to use their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which remain a point of contention among some royal traditionalists in the UK. Practical Information and Planning For those following the Sussexes’ work or planning to attend public events like the Invictus Games, staying informed via official channels is essential. How to Support Archewell Website: Information on current grants and initiatives can be found at the official Archewell Philanthropies site. Donations: The foundation accepts public contributions specifically for their “Mental Health for First Responders” fund in 2026. Engagement: Follow the “Watch Duty” app to see the impact of their wildfire response partnerships. Invictus Games 2026 Details Dates: Major anniversary events are scheduled for May and September 2026. Tickets: Information for the 2027 Vancouver Whistler games is already being released for early-bird registration. Location: While 2026 events are largely commemorative, they will take place across various UK and European venues. What to Expect in 2026 Fans can expect a high volume of digital content from the couple this year. Between the second season of Meghan’s Netflix show and Harry’s documentary projects, their media presence is at an all-time high. It is recommended to follow verified streaming platforms rather than tabloid gossip for the most accurate updates. Frequently Asked Questions Where do Harry and Meghan live now? As of February 2026, the couple lives in Montecito, California. Their estate is located approximately 90 miles north of Los Angeles in a private, gated community. Is the Netflix deal still active in 2026? Yes, the Sussexes extended their Netflix deal in late 2025. They have several projects in production, including a feature film adaptation and a lifestyle series. Are Harry and Meghan returning to the UK? There are reports of a planned summer 2026 visit, but no official return to royal duties has been announced. Any visit is subject to security and legal approvals. What happened with the Kardashians in 2026? The Sussexes attended Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday party in early 2026. Photos were briefly posted and then deleted to avoid clashing with UK Remembrance Day observations. Will there be a second season of ‘Harry & Meghan’? There are no current plans for a second season of the docuseries. Instead, they are focusing on scripted content and topical documentaries. Can I visit the Sussexes’ office? No, Archewell Philanthropies does not have a public office for visitors. All business is conducted through their official digital platforms and private production facilities. Why did they rebrand Archewell? The rebrand to Archewell Philanthropies was done to clarify their mission as a grantmaking organization and separate their charitable work from their commercial production efforts. Final Thoughts As 2026 progresses, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to lean further into their roles as global humanitarian influencers. With their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, now reaching school age, the couple has expressed a desire to integrate their family life more seamlessly with their public missions. This includes a planned documentary featuring the family’s involvement in environmental conservation, potentially filmed during one of their upcoming international tours. From a business perspective, the success of As Ever will be the ultimate barometer for the “Sussex Brand” in 2026. If the brand successfully enters the UK and European markets this autumn, it will signal a transition from celebrity-backed venture to a legitimate global lifestyle powerhouse. For followers and critics alike, the remainder of the year will be defined by whether their “quality over quantity” content strategy can maintain high engagement in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. Read More on Kent Daily Post navigation Harper Beckham: The Definitive 2026 Biography of the Beckham Heiress Richard Madeley: Latest News, Career Updates, and 2026 GMB Status