Meghan Markle is reportedly moving her lifestyle brand into a new solo phase after Netflix confirmed its role in launching As Ever had ended. According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, the development was a “strange decision” and said it sounded like the Duchess of Sussex believed she no longer needed Netflix. Meanwhile, Markle’s team said the brand had posted rapid growth and was now ready to continue independently.
Ex-butler thinks Meghan Markle cutting brand’s ties with Netflix is a ‘strange decision’
As per Express, Netflix stated the following about its “role” in launching Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand: “Meghan’s passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As Ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life.”
The streaming platform added that Markle would keep growing the brand “independently” and said it looked forward to seeing the “next chapter.” In addition, the duchess’ spokesperson said, “As Ever is grateful for Netflix’s partnership through launch and our first year.” The statement continued, “We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth,” concluding that the lifestyle brand “is now ready to stand on its own.”
However, a former royal butler, Grant Harrold, told the outlet the move raised questions because a platform like Netflix usually offers reach and credibility. He said, “It feels like a strange decision. To have the backing and support of a major name like Netflix feels like a positive, but it sounds like Meghan believes she doesn’t need it.”
Then, he pointed back to her earlier digital success, adding, “Her blog, The Tig, was hugely successful, so she knows what she’s doing in this area.” That framing places Markle’s latest brand call as a calculated one, not a sudden split.
Meanwhile, Harrold also tied the timing to a royal milestone. He said the announcement came just days before the anniversary of Markle and Prince Harry‘s final official royal engagement, the Commonwealth Day service in 2020.
“It’s now been six years since the couple carried out their last duty,” he said. “I imagine this is a very reflective time for the couple each year.” Finally, Harrold suggested the next Netflix-free phase could still have symbolic echoes in royal circles, especially if the brand expands into the United Kingdom.
Originally reported by Santanu Das on Reality Tea.
