Meghan Markle’s new cookery series with Netflix, scheduled to be launched this month as With Love, Meghan, is being delayed for a month into March because of California’s devastating wildfires.
“I am grateful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,” Meghan shared in a social media post. Her decision has been widely praised on social media, with many complimenting her compassion and thoughtfulness.
People Magazine pointed out the speed of Meghan’s decision by quoting an insider close to the Duchess: “I don’t think she could imagine putting out a show centered on joy and hosting when so many people in her home state no longer have homes to host people in.
But then a palace insider was on hand to lash out at the Sussexes in response, saying to Daily Mail editor Richard Eden, “Meghan seemingly didn’t think twice about going ahead with the Oprah interview, did she?” It referenced the 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview that aired during the final weeks of Prince Philip’s life. He died four weeks later, further sharpening criticism over the Sussexes’ timing.
Accusations and Aftermath
Meghan’s controversial claims during the Oprah interview included claims about Prince William making her cry and concerns within the royal family about the skin color of her unborn child. Critics argue that such statements would have caused emotional distress to Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth.
A royal source expressed skepticism over the timing of Meghan’s Netflix series, saying, “Would people really want to watch a glossy TV show about someone’s luxury lifestyle when thousands of Americans have seen their homes and lives destroyed? There will still be thousands of people homeless in three months’ time.”
Past Controversies Resurface
The Sussexes have faced backlash before for the timing of their public revelations. Two months after Queen Elizabeth’s death, the Netflix series Harry & Meghan aired, further straining relations with the royal family. Meghan’s exaggerated curtsy for the late Queen and her tone during the series were criticized as disrespectful.
Another criticism had been that Prince Harry’s memoir Spare was published within just four months following the death of the Queen. Such a book contained private family conversations, where critics said that such a tone reflected on Harry himself.
Meghan’s Delayed Series Reignites Debate Over Decades-Old Decisions of the Sussexes
People’s reactions went from sympathetic support for her sensitivity to critical attacks on their past actions.
