Meghan Markle's Reported Plans for UK Market Domination Spark Concern
New reports indicate that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is preparing to launch ambitious expansion plans for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, with a particular focus on dominating the United Kingdom's jam market in 2026. However, these aspirations are said to be causing apprehension for her husband, Prince Harry, who is reportedly concerned about the substantial financial investment required.
Inventory Figures Fuel Speculation and Expansion Talk
Recent scrutiny of the As Ever website, following a temporary glitch that revealed inventory numbers, showed significant stock levels. Approximately 220,000 jars of jam, 30,000 jars of honey, 90,000 candles, 80,000 tins of flower sprinkles, and around 70,000 bottles of wine were listed as available. While some interpreted these high figures as evidence of poor sales, an insider countered this narrative, suggesting to People magazine that they actually reflect strong demand and preparations for a global rollout.
According to sources cited by Closer magazine, Meghan, aged 44, believes this is her pivotal moment to significantly expand her brand. She is reportedly confident that launching in European and Asian markets, alongside a major push in the UK, could generate substantial revenue. "She's been gearing up for this next phase for a long time, that's why there's been so much stock produced, and she's ready to pull the trigger," the source claimed. The insider added that dominating the UK jam market would be particularly satisfying for Meghan, who sees it as achievable with broader exposure in Britain.
Prince Harry's Alleged Financial Concerns Amid Setbacks
The proposed expansion, however, comes with considerable financial risks that have allegedly made Prince Harry wary. Following several professional setbacks and a decline in the couple's popularity, Harry is said to be cautious about committing large sums to international distribution and marketing. "The problem is the cost," the source explained. "Setting up proper distribution abroad and marketing it the way she wants takes an enormous amount of cash, and Harry is very wary... He isn't saying that she ought to throw in the towel, he just wants her to take it at a more sensible pace as the cash isn't flowing the way it used to."
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the Sussexes initially capitalised on their story through high-profile deals, including a Netflix series, a Spotify partnership, and Harry's memoir, Spare, reportedly earning over $100 million. However, recent projects have faced challenges. Meghan's cooking show, With Love, Meghan, is unlikely to be renewed for a third series after its second season and a Christmas special failed to enter Netflix's top 1,000 rankings and received critical panning. Other anticipated ventures, such as an adaptation of Carley Fortune's novel Meet Me at the Lake, have yet to materialise.
Recent Public Appearances and Mixed Reception
Last week, the couple made a rare joint appearance at the Sundance Film Festival for the premiere of Cookie Queens, a documentary they executive produced through Archewell Productions. The film follows four girls in the Girl Scouts navigating a competitive cookie business. However, the event sparked controversy, with reports from the Daily Mail indicating unoccupied seats at the screening, in contrast to a packed premiere for another film the previous night. Photos circulated online showing empty balcony sections, though supporters, known as the Sussex Squad, dismissed these claims as a false conspiracy aimed at attacking the couple and the documentary.
This backdrop of mixed professional outcomes and public perception adds complexity to Meghan's reported plans for As Ever. As she eyes the UK jam market and broader international expansion, the financial prudence advocated by Prince Harry highlights the ongoing balancing act the Sussexes face in their post-royal ventures.
