What Happened to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020 to pursue financial independence and a life in North America. They have since established Archewell, a multi-faceted organization encompassing a foundation and production arms, focusing on media ventures, philanthropy, and Meghan's lifestyle brand, 'As Ever'. As of mid-2026, they continue to navigate their media careers and family life while also engaging in efforts to mend their relationship with the British Royal Family.
Quick Answer
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have largely focused on their independent careers and philanthropic endeavors through their Archewell organization since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. In 2026, they released the documentary 'Cookie Queens' via Archewell Productions, though it saw a modest box office performance. Meghan's lifestyle brand, 'As Ever,' continues to expand, and the couple has been actively working on improving relations with King Charles III, with reports of private meetings and considerations of a public apology. They reside in Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Marriage to Prince Harry
Meghan Markle marries Prince Harry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, becoming the Duchess of Sussex.
Birth of Prince Archie
Their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, is born.
Announcement of 'Megxit'
Prince Harry and Meghan announce their intention to step back as senior royals and become financially independent.
Launch of Archewell
The couple announces the launch of their non-profit organization, Archewell, encompassing a foundation and production arms.
Netflix Production Deal Signed
Archewell Productions signs a multi-year deal with Netflix to produce documentaries, feature films, scripted TV series, and children's shows.
Spotify Podcast Deal Signed
Archewell Audio signs a multi-year deal with Spotify to produce podcasts.
Birth of Princess Lilibet
Their second child, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, is born in Santa Barbara, California.
Netflix Docuseries 'Harry & Meghan' Released
Their highly anticipated docuseries 'Harry & Meghan' premieres on Netflix, detailing their relationship and royal exit.
Spotify Deal Ends
Archewell Audio and Spotify mutually agree to part ways after producing only one series, 'Archetypes'.
Meghan Launches 'As Ever' Lifestyle Brand
Meghan Markle launches her independent lifestyle brand, 'As Ever', initially in partnership with Netflix.
Netflix Deal Downgraded
Archewell Productions signs a renewed multi-year 'first-look' deal with Netflix, a less exclusive arrangement than their original pact.
Sundance Premiere of 'Cookie Queens'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Sundance Film Festival for the premiere of their documentary 'Cookie Queens'.
Netflix Ends 'As Ever' Equity Partnership
Netflix and Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand 'As Ever' end their equity partnership, with 'As Ever' continuing independently.
'Cookie Queens' Theatrical Release
The Archewell Productions documentary 'Cookie Queens' is released in US cinemas, receiving modest box office returns.
Reports of Royal Reconciliation Efforts
Reports indicate Prince Harry and Meghan are considering a public apology to King Charles III to aid reconciliation, following private meetings.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, embarked on a new chapter in 2020, famously dubbed 'Megxit,' by stepping down as senior working members of the British Royal Family. This decision was driven by a desire for greater privacy, financial independence, and the freedom to pursue their own projects away from the intense scrutiny of royal life in the UK. They subsequently relocated to Montecito, California, establishing their base in the United States.
Their post-royal careers have largely centered around their Archewell organization, which includes the Archewell Foundation (renamed Archewell Philanthropies in 2025) and Archewell Productions. Through Archewell Productions, they secured significant multi-year deals with streaming giants Netflix and previously Spotify. The Netflix partnership has yielded several projects, including the docuseries 'Harry & Meghan' (2022), 'Heart of Invictus' (2023), and 'Polo' (2024), along with Meghan's lifestyle show 'With Love, Meghan' (2024-2025). However, their exclusive Netflix deal was downgraded to a 'first-look deal' in summer 2025, and their equity partnership for Meghan's lifestyle brand 'As Ever' with Netflix ended in early March 2026.
Their Spotify deal, reportedly worth $20 million, concluded in June 2023 after producing only one series, Meghan's podcast 'Archetypes.' Reports indicated that the couple did not meet 'productivity benchmarks' for the full payout. Despite this, Meghan launched her independent lifestyle brand, 'As Ever,' in April 2025, offering products like wines, chocolates, candles, and teas, which saw initial product launches sell out quickly. In 2026, Meghan is reportedly planning a cookbook and further expansion of 'As Ever,' with a 'Harvest Collection' launch anticipated in August 2026.
Recent developments in 2026 include the release of their documentary 'Cookie Queens' on August 7, 2026, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026. The film, executive-produced by Archewell Productions, focuses on Girl Scouts, but its box office performance was modest, earning less than £250,000 in its opening weekend. On the personal front, their children, Prince Archie, born May 6, 2019, and Princess Lilibet, born June 4, 2021, are 7 and 5 years old respectively in 2026. The couple has also been actively working to repair their relationship with the British Royal Family, with reports of private visits to King Charles III and considerations of a public apology to mend the five-year rift. While Harry is reportedly seeking to spend more time in the UK, Meghan's focus remains on her ventures and family life in California, leading to speculation about their differing priorities.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made different choices?