Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, is set to premiere on March 4, following a delay due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
With Netflix playing a key role in its rollout, industry insiders believe the streaming giant
could significantly impact the Duchess of Sussex’s future as an influencer and businesswoman.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Netflix is making a substantial investment in Meghan’s brand, American Riviera Orchard, by featuring her products in its new retail stores.
The company’s first Netflix House locations, set to open in major U.S. malls,
will not only sell merchandise from popular shows like Squid Game and Stranger Things but will also include cafés
where Meghan’s jam and other lifestyle products will be available for purchase.
A High-Stakes Business Move
British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that Meghan’s move into the lifestyle space represents a significant shift from the couple’s original commitment to public service. Fordwich pointed out that Meghan and Prince Harry once spoke about influencing global change and making a positive impact through philanthropy, yet now, their focus appears to have shifted to selling consumer products.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were once dedicated to changing lives, influencing world leaders, and championing humanitarian causes,” Fordwich said. “Now, Meghan is selling jam—quite a comedown.”
Fordwich also questioned whether the proceeds from American Riviera Orchard’s products would be donated to charity, given Meghan and Harry’s previous focus on humanitarian efforts.
Can Meghan Succeed as an Entrepreneur?
Meghan’s success in the lifestyle market remains uncertain. Before her marriage into the British royal family, she ran The Tig, a personal blog where she shared insights on travel, food, and wellness. However, launching a large-scale business under the scrutiny of both fans and critics is an entirely different challenge.
One source told the Daily Mail that Netflix’s decision to integrate Meghan’s products into its retail strategy is a crucial test.
“This will determine Meghan’s future as a businesswoman,” the source said. “Let’s face it—she hasn’t been that successful so far.”
Despite having a massive global platform, Meghan and Harry’s previous business ventures have faced mixed results. Their multi-million-dollar Spotify deal ended after just one podcast series, and their partnership with Netflix has yielded limited projects since signing a lucrative contract in 2020.
Netflix’s Influence on Meghan’s Brand
The Daily Mail reported that Netflix’s retail expansion is part of a broader strategy to create immersive experiences for fans of its most popular series. The streaming service hopes to roll out Netflix House locations across the country, blending entertainment, shopping, and dining.
A Netflix insider stated that the timing of With Love, Meghan and the launch of her brand was intentional.
“The show is premiering at the same time that Netflix is opening its stores, so it makes sense to integrate her products,” the source explained. “This is a big move for Netflix and for Meghan.”
Under the American Riviera Orchard label, Meghan is expected to offer an assortment of lifestyle products, including jam, honey, and olive oil. The Netflix House stores at the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia and the Dallas Galleria will reportedly feature stands dedicated to her brand.
Criticism and Support for Meghan’s Business Endeavors
As Meghan prepares to enter the competitive lifestyle industry, reactions remain divided. Some royal commentators believe the venture is a departure from the couple’s original mission, while others argue that Meghan is simply leveraging her platform for success in the U.S.
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, expressed doubts about Meghan’s potential influence in the lifestyle sector.
“Meghan’s success is tied to her Netflix series,” Chard stated. “If the show and product sales don’t take off, Netflix could decide to move on from her.”
However, royal expert Ian Pelham Turner defended the Duchess of Sussex, arguing that the criticism is premature.
“Meghan and Harry are often treated unfairly,” he said. “She is being portrayed as if she has already failed before her brand has even launched.”
What’s Next for Meghan Markle?
With Love, Meghan is positioned as an aspirational series rather than a traditional cooking or home improvement show. According to insiders, it will focus on elegant entertaining and provide inspiration rather than detailed instructions.
“It’s all Meghan, and all about her,” one source told the Daily Mail. “It’s very watchable.”
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, has publicly expressed excitement about the series, describing it as a showcase of California’s lifestyle, nature, and Meghan’s personal aesthetic.
Meanwhile, Meghan and Harry continue their philanthropic efforts through the Archewell Foundation, which focuses on mental health and online safety initiatives. Regardless of the outcome of With Love, Meghan and American Riviera Orchard, the couple’s joint projects remain ongoing.
As Netflix prepares to launch both the series and its new retail concept, all eyes will be on Meghan to see if she can successfully transition from royal life to becoming a major player in the lifestyle industry. Whether Netflix will solidify her status as an influential businesswoman or decide to part ways remains to be seen.
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