Meghan Markle’s recent decision to pursue professional independence from the streaming giant coincides with a ‘reflective’ anniversary for the Sussexes.

Meghan Markle visits Mission Australia social enterprise restaurant in Charcoal Lane; (Inset) King Charles attends the Countdown to COP30 event. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Phil Noble – Pool; (Inset) Samir Hussein/WireImage

As Meghan Markle concludes her partnership with Netflix, royal observers suggest the exit may prompt a significant olive branch from King Charles. The Duchess of Sussex and the streaming giant confirmed this week that their collaboration on her lifestyle brand, As Ever, has ended. Despite Netflix’s praise for Markle’s ‘passion’ for the work, the decision to part ways has been described as ‘strange’ by those close to the Palace — particularly given the timing.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attends day two of the Invictus Games 2020 at Zuiderpark on April 17, 2022, in The Hague, Netherlands. (Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage)

According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, the transition occurs at a poignant moment for the Duke and Duchess. As reported by the Express, he highlighted that this week marks six years since the 2020 Commonwealth Day Service — the high-profile event that served as Prince Harry and Markle’s final official duty before they stepped down as senior working royals. “It feels like a strange decision,” the ex-butler remarked on the Netflix split, noting, “To have the backing and support of a major name like Netflix feels like a positive, but it sounds like Meghan believes she doesn’t need it.”

Harrold opined that the announcement coinciding with the anniversary of their royal departure is quite significant. He suggested that this time of the year is naturally ‘reflective’ for the Duke and Duchess. “I imagine this is a very reflective time for the couple each year, so I think it says a lot that this announcement has been made this week,” he said, pointing to the emotional weight of the date. But this period of professional independence for Markle could also trigger a surprising response from her father-in-law. With the Duchess allegedly planning to launch As Ever products in the UK, the monarch may use the setting as a perfect backdrop for a royal reconciliation.

King Charles during a walkabout after visiting The Sun Inn. (Image Source: Getty Images| Max Mumby/Indigo)
In a rather surprising twist, Harrold suggests Charles might use Markle’s own brand to mend fences. He suggested that by publicly using or displaying the Duchess’s products during family gatherings, the King could send a silent signal of support and peace. “If she does launch in the UK, I imagine – or hope – that she would send them a few jars to try… I think the King would definitely make sure they were out if Harry ever visits – just as a subtle little sign of support and an olive branch,” the former butler suggested. While Harrold noted he would be “surprised if the King and Queen buy any of their products” themselves, he insisted one must “never say never.”

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attends the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020, in London. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)
Utilizing the brand as a peace offering would be a significant gesture from a monarch who has remained largely silent on the Sussexes’ commercial ventures. As per the former butler, it could be the perfect way of showing that relations between the royals and the California-based couple are going in the right direction. As Markle moves independently to scale up her lifestyle brand, all eyes are now on the Palace to see if As Ever could ultimately be the catalyst that finally thaws the icy relations between the King and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.