Meghan Markle goes makeup-free as she rolls out her latest holiday project

She appeared fresh-faced in a baseball cap and sweatshirt

The Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center at the Za'atari refugee camp, home to displaced Syrians, near Mafraq in northern Jordan. Picture date: Wednesday February 25, 2026. (Photo by Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images)

OCTOBER 1, 2026 5:43 PM EDTOCT 1, 2026, 5:43 PM EDT

Meghan Markle is giving fans a casual glimpse behind the scenes as she rolls out her latest holiday project, and her fresh-faced appearance is getting almost as much attention as what she has been working on. The Duchess of Sussex appeared makeup-free in an Instagram Story shared on October 1, offering a relaxed look at preparations for the first-ever Advent calendar from her lifestyle brand, As Ever.

The short video showed Meghan riding in a golf cart alongside Jonathan Grahm, creative director and chief chocolatier of Compartés. According to InStyle, the footage appears to have been filmed around Meghan and Prince Harry's Montecito property in California.

Their home is on the same estate as Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Montecito estate

Meghan kept things casual. She appeared fresh-faced in a baseball cap and sweatshirt while smiling for the camera, creating a candid contrast to the more glamorous promotional images accompanying the new holiday release.

But the biggest reveal was what Meghan and Grahm had been planning.

Meghan Markle Teases As Ever's New Holiday Project

Meghan captioned the behind-the-scenes footage "Christmas planning in June," revealing just how early work began on the festive launch. In the clip, she tells viewers to "Hang on," while Grahm adds, "Stay tuned."

Meghan Markle is giving fans a casual glimpse behind the scenes as she rolls out her latest holiday project, and her fresh-faced appearance is getting almost as much attention

That project has now been revealed as an As Ever x Compartés Advent calendar filled with 24 handcrafted chocolates.

The limited-edition calendar draws inspiration from Meghan's Montecito home and garden as well as flavors already associated with As Ever. The chocolates include raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, and orange marmalade-inspired varieties, along with a piece incorporating the brand's flower sprinkles.

There are plenty of personal touches, too.

Each chocolate features a countdown number based on Meghan's handwriting, while the calendar's artwork references the California property and garden that have played a major role in the visual identity surrounding As Ever. The $148 calendar is scheduled to begin shipping in November.

Meghan Markle's Latest As Ever Launch Expands Her Lifestyle Brand

Since launching As Ever, Meghan has expanded the label beyond the fruit preserves that initially defined it.

The official As Ever site now features products across pantry, gifting, wine and home categories, including spreads, honey, teas and candles.