Meghan Markle’s long-awaited lifestyle series finally premiered on Netflix this Tuesday, generating much excitement. In anticipation of “With Love, Meghan,” the Duchess surprised fans at a special screening in New York on Monday, bringing her energy and enthusiasm to the event.
The show brought together an array of Meghan’s close friends and celebrity guests at a stunning California estate to share insights on cooking, gardening, and hosting tips. Among those featured were fellow “Suits” star Abigail Spencer, makeup artist Daniel Martin, and Mindy Kaling from “The Office.” Meghan’s husband, Prince Harry, also made a brief appearance, adding a personal touch to the show.
Originally set to launch in January, this eight-episode series was postponed to March 4 due to the LA wildfires. Meghan explained that the delay was necessary to focus on the needs of those affected by the fires.
In “With Love, Meghan,” audiences gain an intimate look into the Duchess’s personal life.
Episode One – Hello, Honey!
The series begins with a charming visit from her longtime friend and makeup artist Daniel Martin. Together, they bake cakes, create beeswax candles, and prepare ‘cosy’ pasta, while Meghan shares personal anecdotes and surprising details. Notably, she reveals her passion for beekeeping—a shared interest with her father-in-law, King Charles—and her special touch for making guests feel welcome: homemade bath salts.
Meghan affectionately refers to Daniel as “Uncle Daniel” to her children, Archie and Lilibet, and highlights his role in her life through significant milestones, hinting at her time within the royal family. Among the surprising revelations, Meghan discovers that Daniel is left-handed—a fun tidbit in their long friendship.
Their relationship began when Meghan sought a makeup artist during her “Suits” days, reaching out before even having a publicist. Daniel accompanied her for taste testing ahead of her royal wedding, where they chose a lemon and elderflower cake flavor.
Meghan, a devoted mom of two, expresses her joy in making popcorn with her kids and preparing wholesome dinners, often packing leftovers in their lunchboxes. Despite her fondness for cooking, she candidly admits that baking isn’t her forte but willingly made a cake to indulge her friend’s sweet tooth.
Episode Two – Welcome to the Party
In the second episode, Meghan invites Mindy Kaling to explore ways to elevate children’s parties with creative ideas, from intricate balloon arches to vibrant fruit platters. Reflecting on the launch of her previously named American Riviera Orchard brand, Meghan shares how the 50 jars she produced caused some confusion: “It was not a ranking, just something to share,” she clarifies.
She reminisces about memories of making apple butter with her grandmother and hopes her own jam-making traditions evoke similar warmth for Archie and Lilibet. Each morning, she takes pride in preparing breakfast for her family, noting how the smell of bacon brings her husband and their three dogs running to the kitchen.
While assembling children’s party bags, Meghan reveals her children’s heartfelt interest in gardening, showing off their genuine gardening tools. She also discusses her fashion sense, enjoying a blend of high and low style reflected in her clothing choices.
Episode Three – Two Kids from LA
In the third episode, Meghan welcomes chef Roy Choi to her kitchen, where they whip up dishes like tempura fried chicken and kimchi. While preparing for Roy’s arrival, Meghan reminisces about her childhood working in a donut shop and shares her lifelong love for gardening, showcasing her beautiful backyard that overlooks the mountains.
Meghan’s enthusiasm for fruits and vegetables has clearly influenced Archie and Lilibet, who love enjoying crudités platters. She also mentions her and Harry’s shared fondness for fried chicken. Her fridge displays an abundance of fresh produce, likely sourced from her garden, alongside some favorite beverages.
Episode Four – Love Is In The Details
In a lovely moment with her close friend Delfina Figueras, Meghan prepares focaccia, pasta salad, and a charcuterie board. The episode begins with a glimpse into a family tradition of making sun tea, a ritual Meghan passes down to Archie and Lilibet. Her filling conversation reflects warmth and nostalgia, as she remembers her own childhood experiences that shaped her love for the outdoors, thanks in part to her mother, Doria.
Meghan’s beloved dog, Guy, makes an adorable appearance as she prepares peanut butter dog biscuits, hinting at the soft spot she has for her furry friend. The episode showcases moments of humor as she wields a lemon squeezer that holds significant memories, along with a subtle nod to her royal training.
Episode Five – Surprise and Delight
During a “ladies’ lunch” in the fifth episode, Meghan invites Abigail Spencer and Kelly McKee Zajfen to share stories and laughter. Before entertaining, she stops by a local flower market to gather blooms for her garden table. As she arranges the flowers, she reminisces about her first job at a frozen yogurt shop, demonstrating her hands-on approach to hosting.
Heartwarming stories about her children brighten the episode, such as when Prince Archie caught trout during a summer fishing trip. Their culinary preparations focused on creating simple, delicious dishes, showcasing the family’s emphasis on home-cooked meals.
Throughout, Meghan encourages her children to participate in cooking and cleaning, sharing snaps of her children engaged in jam-making while adding a musical touch to their tidying routine.
Episode Six – The Juice is Worth the Squeeze
As preparations for a game night begin, Meghan delves into the flavors of Mexican cuisine with Chef Ramon Velazquez. Sharing her love for Mexican food as an LA native, she serves up plantain chips, halibut ceviche, and chicken tinga.
The episode presents a glimpse into the abundance of citrus fruit surrounding her home in Montecito and the ways she utilizes these gifts, which extend to her community through charitable donations.
Episode Seven – Elevating the Everyday
Spending time with her friend Vicky Tsai, whom she regards as a skincare guru, Meghan reflects on her life before “Suits.” She shares memories of working at a bar while attending college, noting a humorous twist when her aspirations to be a coat check girl led her back behind the bar instead.
As they make dumplings together, Meghan shares cherished memories of her travels, the cultural experiences that shaped her culinary tastes, and her mother’s influence on her cooking.
Episode Eight – Feels Like Home
In the eighth and final episode, Prince Harry makes a heartwarming appearance at a family dinner hosted by Meghan. He greets her affectionately, complimenting her efforts in hosting. Meghan’s mother, Doria, joins the gathering, contributing to a warm atmosphere filled with laughter and good food.
While Archie and Lilibet don’t make on-screen appearances, their personalities shine in Meghan’s playful anecdotes about the ever-changing names of the chickens they care for. The episode culminates in a masterclass on gift wrapping, connecting to Meghan’s past as she shares valuable life lessons.
Overall, the series reveals a candid and endearing portrait of Meghan, filled with heartfelt moments, time-honored traditions, and a deep appreciation for family and friends. The show concludes with a touching tribute to their late dog, Guy, solidifying the theme of love and remembrance that threads throughout the series.
