Meghan Markle’s New Netflix Series: Setting the Record Straight on Food, Family, and Identity
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is back in the spotlight with the release of her new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. The series, which premiered on March 4th, offers viewers a glimpse into the Duchess’s life beyond the royal headlines, showcasing her passion for cooking, gardening, and hosting, while also exploring her personal journey and connection to her family. The show features celebrity guests and chefs, adding a touch of star power to the Duchess’s relatable and down-to-earth approach to everyday life.
One episode, in particular, has garnered attention for its lighthearted banter and revealing personal anecdotes. In the second episode, Markle teams up with actress and writer Mindy Kaling to create a kids’ garden tea party. This collaboration highlights a unique friendship that blossomed after Kaling’s appearance on Markle’s Archetypes podcast in 2022, with the two women maintaining an email correspondence ever since.
As the duo prepares for the tea party in the kitchen, Markle shares a glimpse into her childhood, describing herself as a "latchkey kid" who "grew up with fast food and TV tray dinners, microwavable kids’ meals." She fondly recalls watching Jeopardy! and indulging in fast-food favorites like Taco Bell and Jack in the Box. This revelation prompted Kaling to exclaim in disbelief, "People wouldn’t believe that Meghan Markle ate at Jack in the Box."
Markle, in a playful yet meaningful moment, gently corrected Kaling, stating with a smile, "It’s so funny, too, that you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now." This exchange offers insight into the Duchess’s evolving identity and the significance she places on her family name.
The Duchess further elaborates on the importance of the Sussex moniker, particularly as a mother. "You have kids, and you go, ‘No, I share my name with my children,’" Markle explained. "I didn’t know how meaningful that would be to me, but it just means so much to go, ‘This is our family name, our little family name.’" This statement underscores the Duchess’s deep connection to her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and the desire to create a strong sense of family identity.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the decision to step back as senior royals in 2020, relocating to Montecito, California, where they are raising their children away from the intense scrutiny of the British media. Despite their departure from royal duties, they retain their titles and continue to engage in philanthropic endeavors and creative projects.
In a recent interview with People magazine, Markle further elaborated on the significance of the Sussex name, emphasizing its role in their family’s love story. "I love that that is something that Archie, Lili, H [Prince Harry] and I all have together," she shared. "It means a lot to me." She added that the Sussex name "is part of our love story," suggesting that as her children grow older, they will become increasingly interested in how their parents met and the history behind their unique family name.
The titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex were bestowed upon Harry and Markle by Queen Elizabeth II upon their marriage in 2018, marking a significant moment in their relationship and solidifying their place within the royal family.
According to People magazine, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, use Sussex as their surname, following a tradition within the royal family. Prince Harry was known as "Harry Wales" during his school years, adopting his father, King Charles III’s, former title, Prince of Wales, as his last name. Prior to receiving their prince and princess titles, Archie and Lilibet were known as "Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor" and "Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor," respectively. Their names were officially updated to "Prince Archie of Sussex" and "Princess Lilibet of Sussex" on the royal family’s website after their grandfather ascended to the throne in 2022.
While Markle frequently mentions her children throughout With Love, Meghan, they do not appear on screen. Prince Harry makes a brief cameo in the final episode, alongside Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, providing a glimpse into the family’s close-knit dynamic.
Throughout the series, Markle emphasizes the importance of being a present parent, stating, "It’s a real delight to be a present parent. It’s a luxury because we all have to work." This sentiment reflects the Duchess’s commitment to balancing her career aspirations with her responsibilities as a mother, showcasing her desire to be actively involved in her children’s lives.
With Love, Meghan offers a refreshing and intimate portrayal of Meghan Markle, allowing viewers to connect with her on a personal level. The series transcends the typical celebrity documentary, delving into themes of family, identity, and the importance of embracing one’s past while forging a new path forward. Through her culinary adventures, gardening tips, and heartfelt conversations, Markle invites viewers to share in her journey and discover the simple joys of life. By sharing her story, Markle is setting the record straight and defining her narrative on her own terms.
The series also hints at Markle’s future aspirations. The mention of her previous endeavor, the "As Ever Lifestyle Brand," and her admission to making "mistakes" in its launch, signals a desire to learn and grow from past experiences. It demonstrates a willingness to be vulnerable and transparent, further humanizing the Duchess and making her relatable to a wider audience. This, combined with her current projects, suggests that Markle is focused on building a platform that reflects her values and allows her to connect with people on a deeper level.
