It felt like I was watching a series of those social media reels of things you feel you should do but never have time to, like baking, making my house look nice, creating handmade gifts, as Meghan “With Love” showed herself to be the most dedicated hostess.
Making bath salts for her friend, decorating a cake, cooking pasta and crafting candles, in only episode one, I felt exhausted by 8.30am.
But this was the Duchess of Sussex‘s chance to welcome us into her new life… well sort of, because they are her bee hives, but it’s not her house.
Watching from the other side of the Atlantic, I couldn’t help but think the tone isn’t for a British crowd.
The overly perfect presentation of the food and flower arrangements, the saccharine, some may say cheesy, delivery not usually our cup of tea.
But that doesn’t mean it won’t land well. Just look at the popularity of social media accounts that promote this kind of aspirational lifestyle.
And never forget that love her or loathe her, people will want to watch a project that’s had so much promo.
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During the eight 30-minute episodes, which feature a host of her friends and celebrity chefs, it was striking that Meghan couldn’t seem happier or more upbeat.
Show is no Oprah interview
It certainly feels a world away from the other big TV events we’ve seen involving the couple in recent years, like that Oprah interview and the doom and gloom of the Netflix documentary about them stepping away from royal life.
Careful questions from her friends about her old lifestyle blog, The Tig, or her childhood, are clearly designed to help Meghan remind us of what her old life was like and references to Harry or the children allow her to talk about family life now.
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The references to the royal bit in the middle are more subtle, although you still sense the odd dig, suggestions it restricted her creativity, and Meghan again talking about needing time to heal.
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Don’t call her Meghan Markle
But despite the negative feelings towards her royal life, don’t call her Meghan Markle anymore, she appears to give a friend a gentle ticking off for that, “you know I’m Sussex now”.
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Funnily enough, it’s five years ago this week that they were carrying out their last official royal engagements before leaving for Canada.
Still, we’re left with questions about how their new life is working out and – financially – this show with Netflix is one thing that needs to succeed.
