Understanding Meghan Markle’s New Netflix Series "With Love, Meghan"

After a brief delay due to the fires in Los Angeles, all eight episodes of the new Netflix series With Love, Meghan were made available for viewers around the world on a Tuesday morning. Each episode, running about 33 minutes, showcases Meghan Markle in a rented kitchen where she engages in various activities like cooking, flower arranging, and even candlemaking.

Life in Montecito

In her series, Meghan shares glimpses into her life in Montecito, California. She lives there with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two young children, Archie and Lilibet. Meghan also mentions their pet chickens, who provide the family with six fresh eggs daily. Though she avoids discussing the royal family or her official duties, she highlights the joys of family life in their beautiful new home.

Following their exit from royal duties, Meghan and Harry can no longer use their HRH titles for commercial aims. Some critics have suggested stripping them of their Sussex title, which was granted by Queen Elizabeth II when they married in 2018. However, in the series, Meghan expresses her affection for the Sussex name. During a conversation with her friend, actress Mindy Kaling, she humorously corrected Kaling for using her maiden name, saying, "You know I’m Sussex now… this is our family name."

Fun Bee Adventures

Meghan connects with nature in the first episode by harvesting honey from bee hives. She reveals that she didn’t have a fondness for honey until she learned how it is made. Speaking in a playful way, she says, “Talk in our bee voice. Oh, they’re busy. Busy bees.” For Meghan, these moments remind her to do things that challenge her a little and help her stay calm while enjoying beautiful experiences.

Meghan’s Time in Argentina

In another episode, Meghan shares that she once lived in Argentina for a few months while working with the United Nations. This part of her story adds an interesting dimension to her global experiences and how they have shaped her life.

Filming Details

For this series, a crew of about 80 people worked on each episode. Meghan explained in an interview that this large team was part of the reason the show wasn’t filmed in their own home. She values her family time and wants to maintain their home as a peaceful haven. “Our kitchen is where Mama just cooks for the family. With a crew of 80-plus people, that’s a lot to have in your house,” she shared.

Future Podcast Plans

Despite mixed reviews for her previous podcast Archetypes, Meghan announced in an interview that she is starting a new podcast with Lemonada Media this spring. She hinted at a new business connection with Netflix, which is also promoting her latest series.

Originally her lifestyle brand was called American Riviera Orchard but has now been rebranded to As Ever. Meghan expressed to People magazine, “There were tons of twists and turns — even with the name. I was figuring it out in real-time.”

A Peek into Meghan’s Early Jobs

Meghan chatted about her earlier jobs before becoming known for her role on Suits and royal duties. She revealed that she was once a “coat-check girl” and tried working as a bartender but found she wasn’t very good at it. Meghan also shared fond memories of her first job at an ice cream store called Humphrey Yoghurt and mentioned teaching gift-wrapping classes while auditioning as an actor.

Prince Harry’s Eating Habits

Prince Harry makes a brief appearance in the final episode when Meghan hosts a brunch for friends. Viewers learn that he is a good cook, especially at making scrambled eggs. However, a quirky detail that stands out is Harry’s habit of adding salt to his food before even tasting it, prompting Meghan to “undersalt” dishes. She has been slowly introducing her family to spicy foods, as they are a preference of hers.

Meghan’s Childhood Influences

Reflecting on her upbringing, Meghan describes her childhood meals as primarily consisting of fast food and TV dinners. She was a "latchkey kid," which meant many of her meals were quick and convenient. However, her mother, Doria, also introduced her to various flavors and recipes due to her work as a travel agent.

Jam-Making Shenanigans

An entertaining moment arises when Meghan discusses her homemade jam. Last year, she sent numbered jars to friends as part of a soft launch for her new cooking venture. Kaling humorously recounts her concerns about the ranking system implied by the numbers, leading to some tension between friends as they pondered their place in Meghan’s thought process.

Family Chores and Activities

Meghan shares lighthearted moments with her children, like their adventures in fishing and caring for chickens named "Phil" and "Jill." She mentions that Archie, their five-year-old son, particularly enjoys fishing and had once caught a fish to bring home for dinner.

Through these episodes, Meghan Markle gives audiences an intimate look at her life, her passions, and the joys of family, all while maintaining a light and humorous tone. It’s a lifestyle show that resonates with viewers, showcasing both her professional journey and personal experiences.