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Arts & Culture
22 March 2025

Royal Reactions Mixed As Meghan Markle's Show Debuts

Despite setbacks, Kate Middleton finds positivity in Markle's new Netflix venture while others remain skeptical.

Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix show, titled With Love, Meghan, hasn't received the warmest reception. The program has sparked intense discussions online and within the royal family, revealing a split in opinions regarding its content. While many have labeled the show a flop, there seems to be one royal who is not deterred by the negative feedback.

Reports from InTouch Weekly reveal that Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is quite pleased with Meghan’s new endeavor. Sources state that she appreciates that Markle is focusing her energy on a project that does not provoke controversy. This approval could be attributed to their mutual interests in gardening and baking, leading Middleton to view the show as “harmless” and “positive.”

In stark contrast, King Charles, Prince William, and Queen Camilla have reportedly chosen not to watch With Love, Meghan. Their indifference perhaps illustrates the tension that has overshadowed the royal family's dynamic since Meghan and Harry stepped back from their roles. Nonetheless, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, who have shown support for Markle in the past, have also expressed their backing for the series.

Despite some favorable reviews, the overall reaction to With Love, Meghan has been steeped in criticism, particularly surrounding Markle's authenticity. The backlash intensified following a moment in the show when Markle corrected her guest, the actress Mindy Kaling, stating, “It’s so funny too that you keep saying Meghan Markle, you know I’m Sussex now.” Such comments have triggered a wave of memes and scorn from netizens, who are quick to call out what they perceive as a lack of genuineness.

The host of the podcast Naughty But Nice with Rob Shuter pointed out the show’s questionable production choices, noting that although it is marketed as an intimate glimpse into Meghan’s life, it is filmed in a rented residence rather than her actual home. This incongruity seems to have fueled skepticism about the content presented on the show.

This negativity surrounding the series perhaps contrasts with Kate Middleton's perspective and highlights the fragmentation of opinions on Markle. Middleton’s affection for the show may point to a broader royal strategy to support one another even amid discord. Moreover, as Markle prepares for a second season, the royal family remains divided on their feelings regarding her work.

Markle also opened up about her childhood during her interviews within the show. Reflecting on her upbringing, she recalled, “I grew up with that, watching Jeopardy! and having a lot of fast food.” When asked by Kaling about her favorite fast-food restaurants, she elaborated that she often enjoyed meals from Pollo Loco, Taco Bell, particularly the Mexican Pizza with extra hot sauce, and Jack in the Box, which her mother particularly liked.

The Mexican Pizza, a favorite from Taco Bell, features seasoned ground beef and refried beans sandwiched between two fried flour tortillas, topped with pizza sauce, a three-cheese blend, and diced tomatoes. Although this item was removed from the menu in November 2020, it made a comeback after nearly 200,000 fans petitioned for its revival, reigniting discussions around the much-loved dish.

Interestingly, just three days after the show's premiere on March 18, 2025, Netflix renewed With Love, Meghan for a second season. This early renewal may signal a faith from the platform in Markle's brand despite the mixed reception. There’s speculation about what the next season will bring and whether Markle will delve deeper into her fast-food habits or highlight other aspects of her life.

The renewed interest hints that there are enough fans keen to watch how Markle navigates life post-royalty in the realm of reality television. For her, every episode is a chance for rebranding, though not without its challenges. Will the royal family’s reactions evolve as the seasons progress? As Markle continues to carve her niche in the entertainment industry, her ability to stir public debate remains unwavering.

As the spotlight shines brighter on her, questions linger about the future of her relationship with the royals. Are they truly indifferent, or is there an unspoken support beneath the surface? For now, viewers and royal fans alike are left to ponder the ongoing saga of Meghan Markle and her place in both television and royal history.