Her Royal Highness Turns to Cooking and Hosting
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is seen in the kitchen baking flower cookies in her new Netflix series. Five years after stepping back from her royal duties, the 43-year-old Meghan shares cooking, gardening, and hosting tips in the series titled „With Love, Meghan.“ She emphasizes that „love is in the details.“
The premiere of her series was delayed by several weeks due to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Now, viewers can watch Meghan across eight episodes, where she demonstrates her skills with perfectly manicured nails while mixing bath salts or decorating cakes in a pristine blouse.
Insights into Meghan’s Life
Filmed in California, the couple’s chosen home, the series does not take place in their private residence. Meghan appears cheerful as she chats with friends, although she refrains from sharing any controversial insights. She briefly mentions her husband, Prince Harry, 40, who makes a cameo at a garden party to kiss her.
The timing of the series aligns with the trend of showcasing curated lives on platforms like Instagram, where a well-set table has become a status symbol among younger women, according to a „Times“ author.
Criticism from the British Media
Some British media outlets have criticized the series trailer. The „Independent“ questioned the substance of Meghan’s portrayal, suggesting they expected more than a „Tradwife“ aesthetic. This term refers to women who present themselves as homemakers, promoting traditional values on social media.
A Sky News reporter described the viewing experience as tiring, stating, „I felt utterly inadequate.“ Despite this, she acknowledged Meghan as a gracious host, giving the impression that she is thriving.
Meghan’s Reinvention Journey
Meghan has been working on establishing a new business venture. Previously known for her role in the legal drama „Suits,“ she married Prince Harry, the younger son of King Charles III. However, the couple’s hope to modernize the royal image did not materialize as expected.
After stepping back from royal responsibilities and relocating to the U.S. with their children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, the couple secured multi-million dollar deals with streaming platforms like Spotify and Netflix. Meghan also founded a lifestyle brand named „American Riviera Orchard,“ which she is now rebranding as „As Ever“ to market products like fruit spreads. This theme is prominently featured in her new series.
Addressing Recent Tragedies
The series was initially set to air weeks earlier, but the ongoing wildfires in California rendered it an inappropriate time for a show celebrating home happiness. Meghan also shared a video in which she organized a Billie Eilish T-shirt for a family affected by the fires. The British tabloids scrutinized this gesture, with the „Daily Mail“ deeming it embarrassing and referring to Meghan as the „Marie Antoinette of Montecito.“
Throughout the new series, Meghan remains reserved about her past years, hinting at her name change to Sussex and expressing excitement about this new chapter, which she sees as a return to her creative roots. Yet, there are subtle jabs at her previous royal duties. In her words, „With Love, Meghan.“