In a dazzling return to the public eye, Meghan Markle has once again captured global attention with the latest chapter of her entrepreneurial saga. The Duchess of Sussex, never one to shy away from bold moves, has unveiled a Napa Valley rosé wine as part of her As Ever lifestyle brand’s “summer drop,” a venture that’s already sending shockwaves through the worlds of celebrity and commerce. But it’s not just the wine that’s raising eyebrows—her sly, playful dig at Prince Harry’s culinary skills during a recent podcast appearance with entrepreneur Emma Grede has ignited a firestorm of intrigue, speculation, and laughter. Was it a loving tease or a calculated zinger? And what does this mean for the Sussexes’ carefully curated public image? Buckle up as we dive into the delicious drama of Meghan’s latest triumph and the tantalizing tension it’s stirred.

Meghan’s As Ever brand, which first burst onto the scene with its now-iconic raspberry preserves and sold out in mere minutes, has evolved into a powerhouse of lifestyle products that scream sophistication and authenticity. The announcement of the 2023 Napa Valley rosé, described as “infused with joy and whimsy,” marks the brand’s first foray into alcoholic beverages, a move that positions Meghan as a serious player in the competitive world of celebrity-backed ventures. Launched alongside a limited-edition apricot spread and orange blossom honey, the rosé is set to hit the As Ever website on July 1, promising to be the must-have accessory for summer soirees. But while the wine itself is generating buzz, it’s Meghan’s razor-sharp wit on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast that’s truly stealing the show.

During the 90-minute conversation, which dropped on June 17, Meghan was her usual polished and poised self, discussing everything from motherhood to the challenges of building a brand under the relentless glare of public scrutiny. But it was a seemingly offhand remark about Prince Harry’s culinary efforts that sent social media into a frenzy. When the topic of salads came up, Meghan couldn’t resist a playful jab, describing a salad Harry had whipped up as “bland” and lacking the flair she brings to the kitchen. The comment, delivered with a mischievous chuckle, was quintessential Meghan—charming, cheeky, and just provocative enough to spark headlines. Fans of the couple saw it as a lighthearted glimpse into their domestic dynamic, while critics pounced, accusing her of subtly undermining her husband. The truth? It’s probably a bit of both, and that’s what makes Meghan’s media savvy so irresistible.

Let’s rewind to the context of the podcast. Emma Grede, a British-born powerhouse and founding partner of Skims, invited Meghan to discuss her journey as an entrepreneur and the evolution of her public image since her days as a Suits actress. The conversation was a masterclass in controlled candor, with Meghan addressing the “peaks and valleys” of fame and even hinting at a mysterious “lie” from eight years ago—around the time she began dating Harry—that she believes has haunted her narrative. While she didn’t name names, the allusion was enough to reignite speculation about her fraught relationship with the British royal family. But it was her domestic anecdote about Harry’s salad that humanized the discussion, offering a rare peek behind the Montecito curtain where the Sussexes raise their children, Archie and Lilibet.

Picture the scene: Meghan, ever the multitasker, preparing lunchboxes for her kids while sipping a glass of wine after bedtime. It’s a relatable ritual she described with warmth, emphasizing the “simple pleasures” that ground her amidst the chaos of global fame. Harry, eager to contribute, tosses together a salad—perhaps with the best of intentions—but Meghan, with her discerning palate and flair for flavor, deems it underwhelming. The story, told with a twinkle in her eye, paints a picture of a couple navigating the ordinary moments of marriage with humor and honesty. Yet, in the high-stakes world of celebrity branding, every word is dissected, and Meghan’s quip was no exception. Was she poking fun at Harry’s lack of culinary prowess, or was it a subtle flex of her own expertise as a lifestyle guru? The ambiguity is part of her genius.

The Napa Valley rosé launch, announced just days after the podcast, feels like a perfectly timed encore. By expanding As Ever’s offerings to include a wine sourced from one of California’s most prestigious regions, Meghan is doubling down on her vision of a brand that’s both aspirational and accessible. Napa Valley, with its rolling vineyards and reputation for world-class wines, is a fitting backdrop for her latest venture. The rosé, crafted from the 2023 vintage, promises a crisp, refreshing profile that aligns with the breezy, joyful aesthetic of As Ever. Paired with the brand’s signature preserves and honey, it’s a curated collection designed to elevate everyday moments—whether it’s a picnic in the park or a chic dinner party.

Meghan’s decision to enter the wine market is no whim. The global wine industry is a multibillion-dollar behemoth, and celebrity-backed labels have become a lucrative niche. From Brad Pitt’s Miraval to Snoop Dogg’s Cali Red, stars are increasingly leveraging their influence to tap into consumers’ desire for glamour and authenticity. Meghan’s rosé, with its evocative branding and promise of “whimsy,” is poised to carve out a unique space in this crowded field. The timing of the launch, coinciding with the peak of summer entertaining season, is strategic, ensuring maximum visibility and demand. And if the sell-out success of As Ever’s initial drop is any indication, the rosé will likely fly off virtual shelves.

But let’s not overlook the elephant in the room: the optics of Meghan’s playful jab at Harry. In the context of their carefully curated partnership, where every public move is scrutinized, her comment reads as both endearing and bold. On one hand, it humanizes the couple, showing they’re not immune to the quirks and quibbles of married life. On the other, it reinforces Meghan’s role as the tastemaker in the relationship, a narrative she’s been cultivating through As Ever and her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Harry, for his part, seems content to play the supportive spouse, appearing in cameos like the viral “Baby Mama” dance video Meghan shared for Lilibet’s fourth birthday. Their dynamic—equal parts partnership and performance—is a delicate balancing act, and Meghan’s salad comment walks that tightrope with precision.

The podcast also shed light on Meghan’s broader ambitions. She spoke candidly about the challenges of scaling As Ever, revealing that Netflix, her partner in the brand, has an 80-person team dedicated to its growth. This partnership elevates As Ever far beyond a boutique operation, positioning it as a global player with the backing of a streaming giant. Meghan’s decision to pause her own podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, to focus on the brand and her Netflix show underscores her strategic priorities. She’s not just building a business; she’s crafting a legacy—one that’s distinctly hers, separate from the royal drama that once defined her.

Of course, no Meghan moment is complete without a swirl of controversy. Her reference to a “lie” from 2017, coupled with her call for people to “tell the truth,” was interpreted by some as a veiled swipe at the royal family. The timing—eight years since she began dating Harry—suggests she’s addressing narratives from her early days in the royal spotlight, perhaps related to media portrayals or palace dynamics. While she didn’t elaborate, the comment fueled speculation, with royal watchers debating whether she was targeting specific individuals or the institution as a whole. Yet, Meghan’s focus remained forward-looking, emphasizing her reclaimed voice through social media and her commitment to authenticity.

Her return to Instagram, after a five-year hiatus, has been a game-changer. From sharing personal milestones like Lilibet’s birthday to teasing As Ever’s latest drops, Meghan is leveraging the platform to connect directly with her audience. The “Baby Mama” video, featuring a pregnant Meghan dancing with Harry in the delivery room, was a masterstroke of relatability, showcasing her ability to blend vulnerability with star power. It’s a stark contrast to the buttoned-up restraint of her royal days, where she felt silenced. Now, she’s calling the shots, and the world is watching.

As the rosé launch approaches, Meghan’s star continues to rise. The wine, with its Napa Valley pedigree and As Ever’s signature charm, is more than a product—it’s a statement. It says Meghan is here to stay, building an empire on her own terms. And as for that salad jab? It’s a reminder that she’s not afraid to stir the pot, whether in the kitchen or the headlines. Love her or loathe her, Meghan Markle knows how to keep us talking, and with a glass of rosé in hand, she’s toasting to her next chapter. Cheers to that.