The teaser for Meghan Markle's new Netflix show has been deemed "laughable," leaving many bewildered.
Following her spectacular comeback to Instagram on New Year's Day, Meghan unveiled another revelation the next day with a promotional teaser for her new program titled "With Love, Meghan."
The eight-episode series, premiering on January 15, will feature Meghan welcoming friends and notable guests at a California estate, where she will impart culinary, horticultural, and entertaining advice.
The clip depicts her engaging in culinary preparations with friends, including actresses Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer from "Suits," as well as arranging flowers and practicing beekeeping, a known pastime of her estranged sister-in-law, Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales.
However, royal historian and expert Dr. Tessa Dunlop has cautioned that the trailer's idealized portrayal may provide significant challenges for Meghan.
Tessa remarked that it is exceedingly simple to deride Meghan and the idealized reality she portrays in her new Netflix trailer: polished renowned acquaintances, meticulously curated cuisine, and Instagram-worthy visuals.
However, the royal historian told The Mirror there is no need for concern; this is simply the Duchess's modus operandi: as she articulates, "I have always enjoyed transforming something quite ordinary into something extraordinary."
Tessa clarified that she is not referring to Prince Harry, who is fortunate to appear with his influential bride and her millennial friends this time. Chef Roy Choi, according to her, stated, "they are family now," which is concerning considering the Sussexes' history with their closest relatives.
"See, I told you it was easy to mock. I mean, come on, a reality series in which one of the richest women in the world is pretending she can teach us 'little tips and tricks'. Demonstrating how 'we can incorporate these practises' into our domestic lives, as she meanders through her sun-dappled kitchen garden, retro basket in hand, before attending those designer bee hives, dripping with honey. It's so out-of-reach for the vast majority, it is laughable," Tessa furthered.
Viewers of the trailer have expressed confusion, particularly when the promotional material neglects to include one of Meghan's highly publicized lifestyle brands, American Riviera Orchard.
In March, a new website and Instagram profile for the company were launched to considerable acclaim, accompanied by a trademark application indicating her intention to market jams, spreads, and various homeware products, as reported by Town & Country Magazine. However, notwithstanding the initial statement, her products have been exclusively shared with famous acquaintances, who featured her jam on social media in April.
To date, things have not been offered for purchase on the site, and in recent months, she has encountered challenges in obtaining a trademark. With the Instagram account still to provide any updates and Meghan commencing posts on a different account, some individuals have expressed their confusion on social media, inquiring whether American Riviera Orchard is still forthcoming.
"Didn't she start an IG account under American Riviera Orchard? Or does that not count?" one X user wrote while another pondered: "Why no mention of American Riviera Orchard?" Another asked, "Wasn't that what her American Riviera Orchard IG account was supposed to be about?"
Despite the potential for confusion and the ostensibly "perfect" style depicted in the trailer, Tessa contends that this is precisely why the program might achieve success, albeit not in the UK.
Business Times has reached out to Meghan Markle for comments.
