The Duchess of Sussex’s highly anticipated lifestyle series premiered on Netflix yesterday, and viewers already suspect she made a subtle jab at her husband’s family—the British monarchy.
With Love, Meghan offers a glimpse into the 43-year-old’s everyday life, showcasing her role as a mother to Archie and Lilibet, a wife to Prince Harry, and a passionate home cook.
However, while introducing the series, the former Suits star described her £100 million streaming deal in a way that some believe is a veiled critique of the Royal Family.
For those who may have forgotten, Meghan left the entertainment industry after marrying Harry in 2018, and the couple welcomed their son the following year.
However, in 2020, they officially stepped down from their royal roles, citing mistreatment by both the British press and certain senior figures within the monarchy. They later relocated to Montecito, California.
After a four-year hiatus, Meghan returned to social media in January and soon after announced her exciting new on-screen project, which premiered on Netflix yesterday (March 4).
Toward the end of the eight-episode series, she is seen bringing together close friends and family—including her husband, Harry, and her mother, Doria Ragland—before delivering a heartfelt speech.
“I just want to raise a glass to you guys,” she begins. “This feels like a new chapter that I’m so excited to share, and I’ve learned so much from all of you.”
“So I just thank you for all the love and support.”
“All of that is part of that creativity that I’ve missed so much,” she added, referencing sacrifices she made to be part of the royal family in what could be perceived as a ‘subtle dig’ to her in-laws, “so thank you for loving me so much and celebrating with me.”
This is not the first time Meghan has hinted at her regret over quitting the spotlight . Earlier this year, she expressed to the same feelings when she announced her new lifestyle brand to the world, alluding to the shutting down of her blog, The Tig, in 2017.
“I haven’t been able to share it with you in the same way for the past few years, but now I can so, as things are starting to trickle out there, I wanted you to hear it from me first”, she shared in an announcement on Instagram.
While Meghan might be attempting to distance herself from her family’s Royal connection, the new Netlfix series does also hear Meghan explain, however, that she, Harry and their kids all share a pretty regal surname.
After discussing her favourite takeaways on the show with actress gal pal Mindy Kaling, the latter responds: “I don’t think anyone in the world knows that Meghan Markle has eaten Jack In The Box and loves it.”
The Duchess then jumped in, admitting she finds it ‘funny’ that Mindy called her ‘Meghan Markle’.
“It’s so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle, you know I’m Sussex now,” she continued.
“You have kids and you go ‘No, I share my name with my children’.
“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’.”
