In the premiere of With Love, Meghan, Meghan Markle’s long-anticipated Netflix show, viewers are introduced to a world that, at first glance, seems like a glimpse into the duchess’s real life. However, as the show unfolds, the reality of its production and the authenticity of its content quickly comes into question.
A Guest Room with a Touch of Pretend: The Show’s Opening Scene
The first episode opens with Meghan preparing for the arrival of her friend Daniel, whom she met while working on Suits. Her idea of “spoiling” him involves what seems like an overly elaborate guest room setup. The typical guest bed might just involve some hastily thrown together clean towels and a quick sweep for dust, but Meghan has other plans. She asks, “What’s by the bed for them?” as if her guest requires more than just a place to sleep. From jarred bath salts to no-effort “late-night snacks” like peanut butter pretzels in a bag with a homemade label and bow, Meghan’s attempt to show hospitality feels more like a performance for the camera than a genuine act of kindness.
Later in the episode, Meghan demonstrates her culinary skills by making what she calls “single skillet spaghetti” with Daniel. While it’s unclear whether this is a true friendship or simply another scripted interaction, the scene continues with a sense of forced authenticity. The other “friends” who drop by, such as Delfina the landscape architect and celebrated chef Alice Waters, seem more like props for the show than real friends of Meghan’s.
The House, the Friends, and the Cooking: Who Are These People?
One of the most glaring moments of fakery comes when Meghan, in a casual manner, introduces her celebrity guests. Alice Waters appears in the kitchen, looking startled at the whole spectacle. How did she even end up on this set? Was she bribed with the promise of some organic heirloom chard? Meanwhile, Meghan drops a coy remark to chef Roy Choi, claiming, “We’re not friends yet, but we’re going to be!” The genuine nature of these interactions is questionable at best.
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Then there’s the scene with Mindy Kaling, who Meghan introduces as a “mom friend” and brings over to learn how to stage a children’s garden party. The concept itself is far from traditional — no simple sausage rolls or candy-laden treats for Meghan’s vision of a children’s party. Instead, the two embark on making “art scene crostini” and a rainbow made entirely of fresh fruit, complete with sliced bananas for the clouds. The absurdity of it all is amplified by Mindy’s dry comment, “No, but the woman I hire does,” which suggests that even Kaling isn’t buying into the pretense.
Meghan’s Cooking: Genuine or Just for Show?
As the show progresses, questions about Meghan’s true skills emerge. Her various demonstrations of making tea (ginger, hibiscus, and even poison ivy) seem oddly basic for someone who claims to be an expert in the culinary arts and gardening. Her enthusiasm for various teas and simplistic recipes raises doubts about the depth of her abilities. Throughout With Love, Meghan, the fakery of the situation becomes overwhelming, as if the entire show is more of a promotional stunt than a real-life documentary of Meghan’s life.
The Impact of Prince Harry’s Appearance: A Cursory Glimpse of the Couple’s Life
In the final episode, Meghan’s husband, Prince Harry, makes a brief appearance. He stands beside her, proudly beaming in the sunny Montecito landscape. His expression seems to veer into a realm of fear, perhaps due to the overwhelming nature of the production. His pride in Meghan’s accomplishments seems somewhat forced, as if he, too, is part of the act. The entire dynamic between the couple feels scripted, and Harry’s presence only adds to the sense of artifice.
Fakery or Genuine Life? A Final Assessment
In the end, With Love, Meghan seems to be nothing more than a glittery, turmeric-infused façade. The carefully curated moments of domestic bliss, the over-the-top parties, and the constant reminder of her status as a duchess fall flat in the face of overwhelming fakery. Meghan’s cooking, gardening, and interpersonal relationships all feel like staged performances meant to portray a life of perfection, but one that falls short of being truly convincing.
While the show might appear to offer a glimpse into Meghan Markle’s world, one sniff of its superficial nature, and it becomes clear: it’s not real. Whether it’s the jarred bath salts, the artificial friendships, or the questionable culinary skills, the show leaves viewers with a lingering sense that, despite the lavender-scented exterior, there’s nothing genuine about it.
