Meghan Markle reflects on ‘mistakes’ after lifestyle brand drama, says she’s learning to forgive herself

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Meghan Markle has spoken openly about learning from missteps after her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, was controversially rebranded as "As Ever" in February 2025.

The Duchess of Sussex addressed the backlash in an interview with People, admitting she was still figuring things out and learning to be kind to herself throughout the process.

Meghan Markle calls lifestyle brand name drama 'a learning curve'

Speaking about the controversy, Markle shared, “There are tons of twists and turns—even with the name."

“I was figuring it out in real-time. I appreciate everyone who gave me the grace to make mistakes and figure it out and also to be forgiving with myself through that. It’s a learning curve,” she added.

The sudden rebrand had sparked criticism and speculation, with some questioning the motives behind the change.

However, Markle framed it as a natural evolution, emphasizing her willingness to adapt and learn from the experience.

Meghan Markle reflects on meaning behind the Sussex name and family unity

During the interview, Meghan Markle also reflected on the significance of the Sussex title which Queen Elizabeth granted her and Prince Harry upon their wedding in 2018.

“It’s our shared name as a family, and I guess I hadn’t recognized how meaningful that would be to me until we had children,” she said.

“I love that that is something that Archie, Lili, H and I all have together. It means a lot to me,” she noted.

Markle's remarks highlighted how family identity has become an emotional cornerstone for her, especially as she and Prince Harry navigate life outside the British royal institution.

Meghan Markle's new creative ventures and balancing motherhood

Meghan Markle also shared how her children growing older has allowed her to embrace new creative endeavors, including her upcoming Netflix project set to premiere on March 4.

“As a woman, a mom, and a wife, to be able to find yourself again—in a way that was always present but that you maybe couldn’t put as much attention on as you now can when your kids are a little bit older—is a wonderful feeling,” she said.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry face public scrutiny and backlash

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are no strangers to criticism and their recent efforts to aid wildfire victims in Pacific Palisades were met with skepticism.

While the couple appeared to provide food and comfort at a relief effort, some critics dismissed their actions as performative.

Media personality Megyn Kelly lambasted the couple, accusing them of seeking media attention. “They want people to think well of them,” she said.

“So they decide, ‘You know what they really need? Us. What they need is us,’” she stated.

Kelly went on to criticize their visibility during the crisis, arguing that they “made sure they got on camera” to boost their public image.

Actress Justine Bateman also joined the chorus of skeptics, labeling the couple as “Disaster Tourists.”

"They are ‘touring the damage?’” Bateman questioned.

“Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists,” she shared.