Meghan Markle's latest As Ever launch appears to be inspired by her former life in California, with a new product tied to her Montecito mansion. The lifestyle brand, launched last year, has unveiled an advent calendar described as "inspired by our Montecito garden," a detail that stands out given the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved away from the Californian lifestyle they had built.
Montecito's role in the Sussexes' post-royal life
For years, Montecito symbolised Meghan and Prince Harry's life away from the constraints of the Firm, their chapter as non-working royals. The mansion, where they moved with their son Prince Archie and later welcomed Princess Lilibet, became their backdrop, far from royal life.
As Ever has always been linked to Meghan's personal tastes, from food to her love of entertaining and gardening, a lifestyle she embraced after leaving Britain. In this context, the latest product is more than just another release.
A telling reminder through the brand
The product does not suggest Meghan is in any hurry to return to California, and there is no suggestion she regrets moving back to the UK in August. However, the influence of her former home on her brand is hard to ignore, and the timing is striking, coming weeks after the move.
Meghan seemingly used her Californian home as inspiration, posting a picture on Instagram in August suggesting she was "soaking in the last of Summer in the garden." Now, as the family of four settles into life in the UK, Montecito has effectively become part of her Christmas offering. For a woman whose California life defined her post-royal identity, it is a telling reminder that, at least through her brand, California is still very much on her mind.
