Meghan Markle shared a glimpse into her new life in the UK on Monday, just hours after her father-in-law, King Charles, confirmed in a letter to senior stakeholders that the former actress and her husband, Prince Harry, would remain as non-working royals.
Meghan looked relaxed as she cuddled up to her black Labrador, Pula, while gathering produce from the garden.
© InstagramShe wore white pants, a striped green shirt and a wide-brimmed straw hat for the outing, and patted Pula's face as the dog approached to inspect the produce.
"Long weekend plans with As Ever," she wrote in the Instagram caption. The mother of two returned to the UK with her family in August after six years in California, where she built her lifestyle brand and launched it in 2025.
King Charles' verdict
© Getty ImagesMere hours before Meghan shared the glowing photo on social media, King Charles confirmed in a letter sent by his Lord Chamberlain that Harry and Meghan's position as royals was "akin to private citizens" and that their charitable work was a "personal matter".
"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," the letter read.
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"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."
"It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex," Charles continued. "Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used."
"The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity," he added.
As Ever's future in the UK
As Ever sells everything from preserves and wines to honey and baking mixes, and Meghan will continue to develop the brand despite her move to the UK.
© Instagram"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," Meghan previously shared with Town & Country.
"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."
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesCurrently, the brand retails only in the US, but the Duchess's move suggests it may open its products to the UK market.
"No decisions have been made about when or where international expansion might take place," an As Ever spokesperson told Us Weekly in March. "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."
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