Meghan Markle’s forthcoming journey to Australia appears to be more than just attending her hotly debated ‘Her Best Life Retreat’ in Sydney. Recent revelations suggest there could be a strategic business maneuver happening beneath the surface.

The Duchess of Sussex, now 44, has quietly registered 12 trademarks for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, across Australia. This development comes from filings with the country’s intellectual property office, hinting at a broader plan in the works.

Initially filed in September 2024 and gaining approval in June of the previous year, these trademarks encompass a diverse array of categories.

Among the trademarked categories are skincare products, candles, gardening supplies, clothing, event planning services, jewelry, and home décor items.

According to industry insiders, this could be the perfect moment for Meghan to explore new business opportunities, especially following the conclusion of her lucrative partnership with Netflix.

The streaming service is no longer actively promoting her As Ever brand and has decided not to renew her reality TV series, ‘With Love, Meghan,’ for a third season.

Meghan Markle’s upcoming trip to Australia may not be just about her controversial ‘Her Best Life Retreat’ in Sydney – with newly uncovered details pointing to a possible calculated business play unfolding behind the scenes 

The nature of the filings has raised eyebrows, particularly as Meghan’s team recently played down suggestions she was planning to launch As Ever in Australia to coincide with her trip next month. 

Despite mounting speculation the visit could act as a springboard for her brand’s global expansion, a spokesperson for As Ever insisted otherwise. 

There had been no ‘decision’ to expand into Australia, her spokespeople told ITV, dismissing the reports as mere ‘speculation’.

Currently, As Ever products are only sold in the United States and online.

Meghan and her husband Prince Harry, 41, are expected to travel to Sydney and Melbourne for ‘private, business and philanthropic engagements’, in what will be their first trip to Australia since October 2018.  

Meghan has already locked in a lucrative appearance during her trip, confirmed as the headline guest at a $3,000-per-ticket Sydney women’s retreat hosted by events company Besties.

VIP ticket holders who pay the $3,000, will get front-row seats and the chance to pose for a group table photo with the former Suits actress, 44. 

But the event has also come under scrutiny.

The Duchess of Sussex , 44, has discreetly locked in 12 Australian trademarks for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, according to filings with the Australian Government’s intellectual property office 

Meghan and Prince Harry , 41, are expected to travel to Sydney and Melbourne for ‘private, business and philanthropic engagements’, in what will be their first trip to Australia since October 2018

Besties co-founder Gemma O’Neill’s talent agency has recently collapsed and is reportedly owing more than $500,000 to the Australian Tax Office, while her business partner Jackie ‘O’ Henderson has endured a difficult period following the axing of her long-running radio partnership with Kyle Sandilands. 

It has not been confirmed yet whether the Sussexes’ children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, will join them on the trip or remain in Montecito, California. 

During their trip, it’s likely the couple will also meet with Australia’s armed forces or veterans’ community, given Harry’s connections to both. 

However, it’s understood Meghan could also venture into Australia’s podcasting scene, with reports she is due to appear as a guest on the ‘Her Best Life’ podcast, launched and co-hosted by Jackie ‘O’ Henderson through her ‘Besties’ company.

Despite that global profile, the Sussexes have been warned their return Down Under may not be as warmly received as their last visit.

Royal journalist Tom Sykes recently claimed the pair are ‘no longer assured of a warm welcome’, with their popularity said to be at an all-time low.