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Meghan Markle offered followers a glimpse of a quiet moment at home on Monday, sharing a radiant new photograph shortly after King Charles addressed the future royal status of the Sussexes.
Only hours earlier, the King had informed senior stakeholders in writing that Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, would continue their lives outside the ranks of working members of the Royal Family.
In the newly shared image, Meghan appeared carefree and at ease as she spent time outdoors with her black Labrador, Pula. The Duchess was pictured affectionately cuddling her dog while collecting fresh produce from the garden.
For the casual garden moment, Meghan chose white trousers with a green striped shirt, finishing her outfit with a wide-brimmed straw hat. As Pula wandered over to investigate what she had collected, Meghan was seen gently stroking the Labrador’s face.
Alongside the image, she wrote on Instagram: “Long weekend plans with As Ever.”
The Duchess, who shares two children with Prince Harry, relocated back to Britain with her family in August following six years of living in California. It was during the couple’s time in the US that Meghan developed her lifestyle business, which officially launched in 2025.
King Charles’ verdict
Meghan’s relaxed social media update came only a few hours after King Charles formally clarified where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex now stand within the monarchy.
In correspondence issued through his Lord Chamberlain, the King made clear that Harry and Meghan continue to operate outside the working Royal Family. Their position was described as being “akin to private citizens,” while any charitable projects they pursue are regarded as a “personal matter” rather than work carried out on behalf of the Crown.
The letter explained: “It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign, and are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”
It went on to emphasise that the arrangement established following their departure from official royal life remains firmly in place. The greater independence that came with that decision, including control over their finances and the ability to protect their private lives as they choose, will continue to be recognised.
The letter stated: “This position, distinct from the State and Royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected.”
Charles then made it clear that the couple’s return to Britain has not altered their formal standing, saying: “It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
Their HRH styles also remain dormant rather than being used publicly, with the letter confirming: “Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.”
The King also drew a clear distinction between official royal responsibilities and the causes Harry and Meghan choose to support independently. He added: “The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity.”
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As Ever’s futurе in the UK
Meghan is expected to remain closely involved with As Ever following her return to Britain, with plans to continue expanding the lifestyle business from the UK.
The brand already offers a varied collection of products, ranging from preserves and honey to baking mixes and wine, and Meghan’s relocation is not expected to slow its ongoing development.
Meghan has previously explained that her ambitions for As Ever extend beyond simply selling individual products, with the brand designed to add something special to everyday moments at home and with loved ones.
Speaking to Town & Country, she said: “The goal for As Ever has always been finding ways we can bring beauty and ease to your life – as a host, as a guest, as a friend, as a mum.”
Her vision is for the company to become part of different aspects of daily life, whether someone is entertaining guests, spending time with friends or enjoying family moments.
Meghan continued: “In whatever way you show up, I want As Ever to make it feel special. It began with a pot of jam and a collection for your kitchen, and now we are excited that the collection will soon expand into other parts of your home. It’s a very special time, and I’m proud of what we are creating.”
For now, As Ever products remain available exclusively to customers in the United States. However, Meghan’s relocation to Britain has naturally raised the possibility that the UK could eventually become one of the brand’s first international markets.
The company has not yet committed to any overseas launch plans. Addressing the possibility of global growth in March, an As Ever representative told Us Weekly: “No decisions have been made about when or where international expansion might take place.”
The spokesperson made clear that moving into another country would require careful planning rather than a rushed rollout, while confirming that international expansion remains something the company is interested in pursuing.
They added: “Entering new markets is a considered process, but it’s something the brand is excited to explore as it continues to grow in this next phase.”
