Meghan Markle fans were left astounded when the Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance at Ludlow House, a private members' club in New York City, on the eve of her much-anticipated Netflix series launch, With Love, Meghan. The event took place on March 3, 2025, just hours before the show became available to viewers.
At the screening, dedicated supporters, many of whom proudly bore tattoos reading 'as ever,' engaged eagerly with the Duchess, who was visibly excited about sharing her new project. Attendees had followed Markle since the days of her former lifestyle blog, The Tig, and celebrated her surprise visit along with specially chosen bottles of Tignanello wine as part of the occasion.
Accompanying the launch was heartfelt support from Markle's family. Meghan shared an Instagram story showcasing a thoughtful handwritten card from her husband, Prince Harry, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, which expressed their pride and love, reading: 'Congratulations mumma! We love your show, and we love you!' It was signed simply as 'Lili, Archie, and Papa.'
Meghan posted the surprise visit with the caption, 'A surprise in the Big Apple tonight,' announcing her arrival just after fans had watched the first episode of her Netflix series.
The show, forming part of the Sussexes' collaboration with Netflix initiated by their multi-million-pound deal back in 2020, sees Meghan exploring cooking and friendships, with each episode featuring various culinary delights and heartwarming storytelling. “It was super joyful, as a woman, mom, and wife, to be able to find yourself again… is a wonderful feeling,” Markle said, reflecting on the process of creating the show.
During the screening, Meghan entered the room from the side door, gleefully asking, 'What'd you guys think?' The atmosphere was electric as attendees cheered and embraced her, some exchanging friendship bracelets with the Duchess—a heartwarming gesture symbolizing their long-standing loyalty.
Notably, this event marked Meghan's transition from The Tig, which she closed before her marriage to Harry, to her new brand, as Ever. The shift was prompted by trademark issues surrounding the former name. Meghan later shared with People magazine about the challenges faced during the rebranding, emphasizing: “There are tons of twists and turns—even with the name.”
Meghan noted how her family’s involvement brought her joy as her children engaged with her creative process. Harry and Archie accompanied her to the filming set, with Archie even acting as the clapperboard assistant. She recounted sweet moments at home, including when her son told her one night as she worked, 'Mama, don’t work too hard.'
The show, With Love, Meghan, aims to redefine lifestyle programming with practical how-tos coupled with candid conversations. The series is set against the backdrop of Meghan's life, offering glimpses of her home life, including fun family moments shared with Lilibet, who is seen playing games with tennis star Serena Williams, a close family friend.
Promoting these family-centric narratives, Meghan explained the authenticity behind her filming locations, which included their sprawling home garden and chicken coop at their Montecito estate, ensuring the audience feels connected to her domestic sphere.
Meghan's decision to largely sidestep discussions of her royal life has allowed her to focus on positivity and everyday pleasures. The show features cooking tutorials on various dishes, from focaccia to festive fruit arrangements, presented with casual conversations alongside close friends like Mindy Kaling and others, offering not only recipes but also heartfelt exchanges.
“I think the most important thing when I’m thinking about putting together a cheese or charcuterie board is finding different layers, textures and balance,” she instructs during the segments.
While some critics may compare With Love, Meghan to Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle brand, Meghan is carving out her distinct profile with the show’s focus on family-friendly content fun for everyday living. Her aim is to cultivate connections with her audience through relatable cooking experiences and personal storytelling.
The premiere was noted as not only significant for Meghan’s career, serving as her first major public venture post-royalty, but also as an emotional homecoming. Fans look forward to watching Meghan evolve as she nurtures her craft and shares her life’s journeys with authenticity, demonstrating her growth as both a businesswoman and individual.
With the successful launch of With Love, Meghan, the Duchess appears well-positioned to reclaim her personal brand, blending her passion for lifestyle with everyday moments from her family life, bringing audiences along for the ride.