Yahoo Lifestyle Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show: Prince Harry’s Quick Cameo, No Direct Mention of the Royal Family and Reminding Mindy Kaling She’s a Sussex
After delaying its original January release due to the L.A. wildfires, Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan,” has finally arrived.
Not much was known about the show ahead of its premiere, though a plot description promised it would reimagine “the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-to’s and candid conversation with friends, new and old.” But with the couple’s last forward-facing Netflix foray being the 2022 docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” in which they got candid about their struggles within the royal family, it’s safe to say viewers were expecting at least a few similar revelations to follow from “With Love, Meghan.”
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However, after spending the better part of the day watching all eight 33-minute episodes, Variety can report that there’s barely a mention of Markle’s old life in the new series. Instead, the former actor has now gone full Martha Stewart, inviting friends like Mindy Kaling and expert guests including Roy Choi and Alice Waters over to her Montecito abode to cook meals in between sharing DIY tips for everything from bath salts to balloon arches. But beyond the show’s saccharine presentation and countless platters of crudités, Markle does give a little insight into her present day as well as what lies ahead with the imminent launch of her new lifestyle brand, As Ever.
Read on to discover everything we learned from watching “With Love, Meghan” so you don’t have to — including the details of Prince Harry’s quick cameo and the moment she corrected Kaling on her last name.
Subtle Royal References
Though there is never a direct mention of anyone in the royal family, Markle does subtly hint at her experience being part of that world. The first reference comes in the show’s premiere as she introduces her first guest, makeup artist and friend Daniel Martin. “He has just been in my life for the before, during and after, shall we say,” Markle says, seemingly referring to her struggles adjusting to royal life. “And he’s very much a mainstay.”
And during Episode 7, when she has Tatcha founder Vicky Tsai come over to make potstickers, Markle mentions the Japanese art of Kintsugi in a way that’s symbolic of her time as a royal. “I think it’s so meaningful that if you break something that’s precious and valuable, it’s not broken,” she says. “That fracture actually makes it more beautiful, and I just think that felt really symbolic of saying to anyone: if you’ve been through something, you’re not broken.”
Insight Into Prince Harry’s Culinary Life
Though Prince Harry doesn’t make an appearance until the show’s last episode, he is mentioned throughout, specifically in reference to food.
For example, in Episode 2 when Kaling asks Markle how she seasoned a frittata so perfectly, she responds: “Well, I have a husband who, no matter what meal is put in front of him, before he tastes it puts salt on. So, I try to under-salt.” Kaling replies: “I love that your husband likes it salty.”
Speaking of salt, when friends Abigail Spencer and Kelly Zajfen come over to make salt-baked fish in Episode 5, Markle discusses how her relationship to cooking has changed since having kids Archie and Lilibet. “It’s so much a part of what I want them to learn and have these great formative memories of being there with me and ‘Oh, Mom used to make this,'” she says, adding: “Also, H is a great cook.” Zajfen agrees, mentioning that his scrambled eggs are top notch.
She Wears Zara Pants and Loves Fast Food
Kaling really got a lot out of Markle during her episode. Beyond learning that Harry over-salts his food, we find out that Markle wears Zara pants when Kaling asks her for a full outfit breakdown. “I like high/low,” Markle says. Celebs, they’re just like us!
Viewers are also treated to the revelation that Markle grew up eating a lot of fast food and still thinks of it fondly. When asked her favorite, she replies: “Pollo Loco, Taco Bell — extra hot sauce on Mexican pizza — and Jack in the Box because my mom loved their tacos.”
“I don’t know that anyone in the world knows Meghan Markle has eaten Jack in the Box and loves it,” Kaling responded.
She’s Still a Sussex
However, Kaling’s reply prompted Markle to remind her that she still retains the full title of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. “It’s so funny too that you keep saying Meghan Markle,” she says. “You know I’m Sussex now.”
“You have kids and you go, ‘No, I share my name with my children,'” Markle continues. “I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me but it just means so much to go, ‘This is our family name. Our little family name.’” She may want to remind us, too, after this article.
The Northwestern Sweatshirt Everyone Will Read Into
The show’s seventh episode brings some controversy that already has corners of the internet rumbling. While preparing a “harvest basket” for Tsai from her garden, Markle sports a Northwestern sweatshirt (gasp!). This is causing a stir because Princess Diana famously paired one with biker shorts in an iconic ’90s look — and though it may indeed be a subtle homage, let’s not forget that Markle attended the university, graduating in 2003. Go Cats!
Edible Flowers, Crudités and Fruit Preserves — Oh My!
One thing that’s impossible to miss while watching the show is how much Markle loves edible flowers, crudités and fruit preserves. The flowers — in whole or “sprinkle” form — make an appearance on almost every dish, including salads, cookies, cakes and, of course, crudités. In Episode 3, she mentions that her kids have crudités every day, and she even gives a lesson on how to make the perfect veggie board. Same goes for fruit preserves, which Markle has taken to making herself from fruit grown in her garden. Could it be a hint as to what’s to come with As Ever?
Prince Harry’s Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Cameo
It was inevitable that Prince Harry would make an appearance on the show, but it’s much quicker than some may have expected. Instead of guesting on the show, Harry simply shows up in the last five minutes as part of a brunch Markle hosts to celebrate her new chapter. When Harry arrives, the two share a sweet kiss and he tells her, “Well done, you did a great job. I love it.” After a mimosa toast in which Harry says, “To you!,” there’s some silly footage of him eating two grapes at a time, and the show ends with a sweet moment as Markle nuzzles into Harry’s chest.
“With Love, Meghan” is now streaming on Netflix.
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