Meghan Markle is a figure that splits opinion. Many royal commentators seem to be all too eager to criticise her every move, regardless of what she does. While I’m not exactly a die-hard Meghan fan, I’ve always felt as if she was being treated unfairly. However, after watching her latest Netflix project – With Love, Meghan – I’m beginning to think those critics who accuse the Duchess of being insincere might just have a point. Following on from her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig, With Love clearly demonstrates that Meghan is aiming to tap into the aspirational luxury goods market that has turned Gwyneth Paltrow’s relentlessly cosy GOOP empire into a $250million success story. Every aspect of the Netflix show is meticulously curated – with Meghan’s kitchen a harmonious blend of muted neutral surfaces and carefully selected accessories. But is it Meghan’s kitchen? That’s the main issue with this show. One four-word line from Meghan – “this isn’t my house” – shatters the illusion.
The location for the show is delightful, but it’s not Meghan’s actual home
(Image: Netflix)
Meghan fans may have tuned in hoping for a glimpse into the Montecito home that the former Suits actress shares with Prince Harry. The New England-style house used as the setting for the show is certainly stunning. But it seems to be a surprisingly modest home for a couple with a net worth of around $60million (£47m). The kitchen might scream domestic bliss with a hint of luxe, yet it’s more “moneyed middle-class” than outright “super-rich”, revealing this isn’t someone’s sanctuary, but a stage for storytelling. It becomes increasingly obvious that With Love is about as close to Meghan’s true home-life as Suits was – it’s all just cleverly curated set dressing.
Meghan strolled onto set as if she were going into her own home
(Image: Netflix)
Take the adorable beakers set up for Meghan and her BFF and makeup guru Daniel Martin for their candle-making session. Instead of being tucked away like, perhaps, a conventional home, they are displayed like they’re on sale in a chic boutique. Then, there’s the flowers that Meghan prepares for her guest room – already cut and artfully arranged in a vase, rather than freshly picked by Meghan herself. Despite this, the tale spun for our screens tries to sell us the fantasy of an intimate, cherished dwelling. Meghan tells viewers: “One of my favourite things to do is to prep the guest room. I think about the two places that the guest experience once they’ve gone into their room.”
The setting for the show didn’t look at all ‘lived in’
(Image: NETFLIX)
She explains how she arranges every detail of her guests’ experience, adding: “What’s at the side of the bed for them?” She also ruminates on crafting a luxurious bathroom retreat for a satisfying end to the day. But when Daniel cuts his hand during some enthusiastic veggie chopping, Meghan exclaims with genuine surprise: “He really did.” When everything has been choreographed well in advance, a spot of spontaneity seems to wrong-foot the duchess for a moment.
The first episode’s guest was New York-based makeup artist Daniel Martin
(Image: Netflix)
As Meghan Markle tends to her friend’s injury in the show, she doesn’t reach for a standard beige plaster. Instead she opts for a chic green one that perfectly complements the pristine Shaker-style kitchen backdrop. But let’s be clear, this show isn’t an intimate peek into the Sussexes’ private world; it’s more like a glossy brochure of aspirational living. To give credit where it’s due, ‘With Love’ isn’t entirely a facade. Meghan does confess: “This isn’t my house. Daniel will be staying at my house, but I’m going to prep everything here as I would at home, and then bring it back to my house so I can have it there for him.”
Daniel has been looking after Meghan’s makeup since her Suits days
(Image: Netflix)
Yet, the reason behind filming in this mystery location remains a bit murky. Sure, loads of viewers will tune into ‘With Love’, finding themselves charmed and influenced. Whether you’re a fan or not really hinges on your patience for that, well, rather self-satisfied upscale Californian lifestyle – which might be a bit much for the average Brit. Personally, it wasn’t my cup of tea. What Harry and Meghan get up to privately is their own affair. However, peddling this somewhat artificial portrayal of their life – no matter how stunning – struck me as slightly insincere.
