Meghan Markle’s ’make or break’ moment

As Meghan Markle gets set for the release of a new Netflix series and her long-awaited lifestyle brand, the measure of success for both ventures could determine her future as a businesswoman.

Netflix will have the power to “make or break” Meghan Markle’s future as an influencer as her new lifestyle series With Love, Meghan gets set to air and she attempts to get her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard up and going.

Sources told the Daily Mail that the streaming giant is gearing up to roll out the red carpet by offering products supporting Meghan’s brand at their new store.

British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News that the Royal Family will have “a ringside seat” to see if the mother of two can achieve her American dream as a businesswoman. Still, she warned that the former actress has challenges ahead.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will spend Valentine’s Day apart. Picture: AFP

“The [Duke and Duchess of Sussex], who were going to change lives for the better, influence world opinion and leaders, improve the environment and declared their life of service with their ‘service is universal’ statement… it’s reduced to flogging jam,” claimed Fordwich. “Quite a comedown… with Netflix making a last-ditch attempt.”

“One wonders if the proceeds from the jam will be donated to humanitarian causes,” said Fordwich. “Is she going to feed them her jam? In keeping with their charitable and humanitarian causes, perhaps all the proceeds will be donated?”

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, waves while attending a welcome celebration with her husband Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, during the 2025 Invictus Games, in Whistler, British Columbia.

According to the DailyMail, Meghan’s launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, will coincide with the series premiere. Netflix has not confirmed those reports.

“Her new show is rolling out at the same time as the Netflix stores open,” an insider told the outlet.

“The Netflix stores will offer products and merchandise from all their biggest shows like ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Stranger Things.’”

“This is a big move for Netflix,” the source claimed. “The first stores are in repurposed department stores inside two of America’s largest malls. They will contain an onsite café, so Meghan’s products like her strawberry jam will be featured on the menu, too.”

“This will determine the future of Meghan as a businesswoman. Let’s face it, she hasn’t been that successful so far,” the insider claimed.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had to deal with rumours around their marriage. Picture: AFP

Fordwich stressed that a lifestyle brand conflicts with the couple’s initial commitment to “a life of service.”

In 2021, Meghan and her husband Prince Harry said in a statement, “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.” Their office at the time also noted that the pair, as quoted by People magazine, “remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented regardless of official role.”

“While Meghan Markle claims to be ‘taking something ordinary and elevating it,’ as she worded in her series, she’s actually taking something others have already done… [She’s] not helping others nor doing anything charitably,” Fordwich claimed. “There isn’t a demographic this new endeavor appeals to, other than dedicated fans either side of the Atlantic or others who are curious, wanting to see if it’s any good.”

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the Skeleton Finals during day two of the 2025 Invictus Games. Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage

The outlet reported that “With Love, Meghan” is being edited to include the Duchess of Sussex’s philanthropic work.

According to the outlet, the 43-year-old is expected to launch her brand “in just a few weeks,” which would be around the same time frame as “With Love, Meghan.”

It reported that the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia and the Dallas Galleria, “two of America’s biggest retail centers,” will have American Riviera Orchard stands.

A Netflix source claimed to the outlet that under the American Riviera Orchard brand, the duchess will offer an array of products, including jam, honey and olive oil.

It comes as Meghan posted a new story to Instagram after returning to the US from the Invictus Games in Canada.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been leading increasingly separate business lives. Picture: Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, founder and patron of the Invictus Games Foundation and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, deliver remarks at the Invictus Games.

She shared a picture of an array of Invictus themed sweet treats with the caption: “A taste of Canada and the Invictus Games for our little ones!

“Cheering you on from home!”

She had always planned to leave on her own prior to the event and returned home to be with son Archie, five, and daughter Lilibet, three.

A source close to the couple said: “This was always planned. Meghan is going home to be with her children.

“Meghan left the games in Dusseldorf early after five days to go home.

“This is Prince Harry’s event and she is there to support him but this was planned.”

But rumours had already been swirling about Harry, 40, and Meghan spending time apart.

The Duchess of Sussex flew back to California on Tuesday local time, leaving Prince Harry solo at the competition he founded for wounded and sick military veterans. The timeline means the couple won’t spend Valentine’s Day together.

It comes as rumours continue to swirl about the state of the couple’s marriage.

The pair had arrived in Vancouver on Friday before spending two days in luxury ski resort Whistler.

Originally published as Meghan Markle’s ’make or break’ moment