Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has continued to develop her own professional identity, launching personal initiatives that reflect her values and interests. While some media headlines have suggested a “professional split” between Meghan and Prince Harry, the reality is more nuanced. Verified public records and statements show that while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex increasingly engage in independent ventures, they continue to share a common mission through their joint foundation, Archewell.

This article explores Meghan’s latest professional developments, clarifies misinformation about her relationship with Prince Harry, and provides a fact-based overview of their public engagements.

Meghan Markle’s New Professional Projects

In 2024, Meghan Markle made headlines with her return to social media, launching a new Instagram account under the handle @meghan. The account, although not yet verified by Instagram at the time of this writing, has reportedly been created as part of a broader business and branding effort tied to a new lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard.

According to official trademark filings reviewed by The Washington Post and People Magazine, the brand is expected to focus on homeware, lifestyle goods, and digital content. The initiative marks Meghan’s first solo entrepreneurial venture since she and Prince Harry stepped back from official royal duties in 2020.

Before her marriage, Meghan was the creator of the lifestyle blog The Tig, which showcased her interests in food, wellness, travel, and social causes. Her return to a similar platform signals a return to her pre-royal roots as a media-savvy entrepreneur and advocate.

“This is about creating a space that reflects Meghan’s values – well-being, intentional living, and female empowerment,” a source familiar with the brand’s development told People.

[Source: People.com – Meghan Markle Files Trademark for American Riviera Orchard]

Clarifying the “Professional Split” Narrative

Recent tabloid headlines have portrayed Meghan and Harry’s decision to pursue individual projects as a sign of professional or personal separation. However, no credible source—including BBC News, Reuters, or the Archewell Foundation—has reported any rift in the couple’s working relationship or personal life.

In fact, both continue to collaborate on causes that matter deeply to them, particularly in the areas of mental health, veteran support, youth leadership, and media integrity.

The Archewell Foundation, launched by the couple in 2020, remains their primary joint initiative. According to their official website (archewell.com), the foundation “drives systemic cultural change across all communities, one act of compassion at a time.” The couple co-author statements and appear together at many foundation-related events.

[Source: Archewell Foundation Official Website]

Moreover, Prince Harry and Meghan recently appeared together at the 2025 Invictus Games One Year to Go event in Canada, where they emphasized their shared commitment to veterans and international service members.

[Source: BBC News – Prince Harry and Meghan Visit Canada for Invictus Games Countdown]

Why Meghan’s Independent Work Aligns with Their Shared Mission

While Meghan may be developing separate ventures like American Riviera Orchard, these efforts do not signal a departure from her and Harry’s joint values. Rather, they demonstrate how both individuals are expanding their reach in complementary ways.

For example, Meghan’s earlier work with Netflix included the production of the animated series Pearl, centered on strong female historical figures (though the project was later canceled as part of broader Netflix restructuring). Prince Harry, on the other hand, has released the acclaimed docuseries Heart of Invictus in partnership with Netflix, highlighting the stories of wounded veterans competing in the Invictus Games.

Both projects, while independent, reflect their shared commitment to storytelling with purpose and amplifying underrepresented voices.

[Source: Netflix Media Center – Archewell Productions]

Additionally, the Duchess has continued work on issues relating to gender equity and media reform. In a 2023 conversation with The New York Times’ DealBook summit, she spoke candidly about digital responsibility and her experience with media intrusion, stressing the importance of reshaping narratives and empowering women.

“There’s so much strength in storytelling, but it has to be responsible,” she said.
[Source: The New York Times – DealBook Online Summit]

Public Recognition and Independent Identity

It is true that Meghan’s public profile has become more independently recognizable since leaving royal duties. This is not necessarily unusual; both she and Prince Harry were prominent public figures before marriage—Harry as a senior royal and military officer, and Meghan as a successful actress and global humanitarian.

Their marriage has only amplified the interest in their lives, but each continues to cultivate their own voice and vision.

While some commentators, like royal biographer Hugo Vickers, have remarked that Meghan’s name is “instantly recognizable” on its own, such statements reflect public perception rather than any verifiable shift in the couple’s relationship or working dynamic.

There is no official confirmation from the Duke and Duchess that Meghan’s recent branding efforts indicate a formal separation of professional paths. On the contrary, both remain listed as co-founders of Archewell, and the foundation’s public filings reflect a shared leadership structure.

[Source: California Secretary of State – Nonprofit Records]

How the Media Shapes Public Interpretation

Part of the confusion around Meghan and Harry’s roles comes from media framing. Numerous studies, including research by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, highlight how headlines can create misleading impressions, especially when divorced from deeper reporting.

Many viral stories are based on anonymous sources, out-of-context quotes, or editorial opinion rather than factual documentation. This makes it important for readers to cross-check stories with primary sources or established news outlets like the BBC, The Guardian, or the Associated Press.

[Source: Reuters Institute – Digital News Report]

Conclusion: A United Mission, With Room for Independence

Meghan Markle’s growing presence in the lifestyle and business world represents a natural evolution of her personal brand, not a break from her partnership with Prince Harry. Both continue to be active in their shared mission through Archewell and in public service. Meghan’s independent projects align with her long-standing advocacy for wellness, empowerment, and social impact.

There is no credible evidence of a “professional split” in the sense implied by viral headlines. Instead, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are broadening their impact, both together and individually, with consistent values guiding their work.