The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, took center stage at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit 2025, offering a candid look into the future of her Netflix partnership and the strategic evolution of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, confirming an upcoming holiday special for With Love, Meghan while keeping fans on the edge of their seats regarding a third season.
In a highly anticipated appearance, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, captivated audiences at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit 2025 in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, October 14. Her participation marked a significant moment for fans and industry observers alike, as she provided direct insights into her growing media empire and personal brand, As Ever.
The Duchess, attending solo without Prince Harry, engaged in a conversation with Fortune’s editor-in-chief and chief content officer, Alyson Shontell. The discussion delved into the strategic direction of her various ventures, from content creation to lifestyle products, all while showcasing her distinctive, sophisticated style.
Unpacking the Evolved Netflix Partnership
A focal point of the summit conversation was Meghan Markle’s Netflix deal, which has been a subject of immense interest since she and Prince Harry stepped down from their roles as working royals in 2020. The couple initially signed a reported $100 million deal that year, later extending their creative partnership through their company, Archewell Productions.
Meghan clarified the nature of this extended collaboration, explaining, “My husband and I were in an overall deal with Netflix then, not dissimilar to Higher Ground and the Obamas’ deal, once that had come to its term, the extension of it — which was such an incredible sign of the strength of our partnership — was now being in a first-look deal.” This strategic shift, as reported by Town & Country, provides Archewell with greater autonomy.
The Duchess elaborated on the benefits of this new structure: “Which is also exciting because it gives us flexibility to go to our partners first, then at the same time, shop content that might not be the right fit for Netflix but has a home somewhere else.” This revelation signals a more diversified content strategy, potentially allowing Archewell to produce a wider range of projects tailored to different platforms while prioritizing Netflix.
The Future of With Love, Meghan and As Ever
Fans eagerly awaited news regarding Meghan Markle’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, and whether it would see a third season. While the Duchess remained coy about a direct renewal, she did tease an exciting upcoming project, stating, “Well, the holiday special is coming out in November. It’s a really good one.” She playfully hinted that the festive episode would showcase advanced gift-wrapping techniques she once taught, a charming nod to her past experiences.
Addressing the format of her shows, Meghan reflected on her “year of learns,” recognizing the demand for varied content lengths. “I also recognize how much people want content in different sizes,” she noted. This suggests an exploration of shorter, more digestible content formats, perhaps aligning with her evolving lifestyle brand, As Ever. She explicitly linked this approach to the growth of her brand: “Part of what we’re testing out now is, it’s amazing to sit and watch a show for 30 minutes, but how can I give you a recipe in two minutes? And where can I share that with you? And how that continues to grow As Ever.”
As Ever, Meghan’s lifestyle brand, launched earlier this year, is designed to reflect her personal interests and ethos. While Netflix is a passive partner in the product range, the Duchess’s comments indicate a symbiotic relationship where content and commerce can intertwine, catering to her audience’s desire for both inspiration and tangible goods. More details about the brand’s offerings and philosophy can be found via Town & Country.
Meghan’s Signature Style at the Summit
Beyond her impactful statements, Meghan Markle’s fashion choice for the summit garnered considerable attention. She donned an elegant off-white ensemble, featuring a collarless blouse paired with Brochu Walker’s ‘Esme’ skirt. This leather-look design, crafted from Italian vegan leather in the shade ‘Perle,’ retails for $348, as detailed by Daily Mail. On her feet were her familiar nude suede double ankle strap pumps, previously seen in 2024. Her accessories included new chunky stud earrings and a Ukrainian jeweler Guzema piece—the Trio Flat Ring, set with diamonds in yellow gold. Her sophisticated and thoughtful wardrobe choices continue to be a subject of public fascination, reflecting her refined aesthetic.
A Busy Schedule for the Sussexes
Meghan’s appearance at the Fortune summit was part of a packed schedule for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the East Coast. Just days prior, Prince Harry participated in a panel discussion on young men’s mental health in New York City. The couple then reunited to attend the World Mental Health Day Gala in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood, where they were honored with Project Healthy Minds’ Humanitarians of the Year Award.
Their commitment to mental wellness and creating a safer digital space for young people through the Archewell Foundation remains a core focus. The Duchess briefly mentioned popping back to California over the weekend to check on Archie and Lilibet, highlighting her ongoing efforts to balance her professional endeavors with her family life.
As Meghan Markle continues to carve out her unique path post-royalty, her recent insights at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit provide valuable context for understanding her multifaceted approach to media, brand building, and public engagement. Her emphasis on flexibility, fan-centric content, and strategic partnerships promises an exciting future for her loyal followers.
