I was given a sneak peek at the new Netflix series With Love, Meghan before the official Tuesday, March 4 release.
In January, I penned a column on Forbes.com saying how much I was looking forward to Duchess Meghan Markle’s new Netflix lifestyle show. More than that, I shared five life lessons I believe the Duchess, now in her early 40s, has taught us about the power of resilience, grace, and success.
Whether you are a fan or not, the objective truth is that Ms. Markle has lived through a very public “baptism by fire” ordeal and likely much more private tribulation with the Royal Family in the U.K. In 2020, she returned to the United States with her very own prince—the youngest son of the late Princess Diana and reigning British monarch, King Charles III, Prince Harry. Also known as the Duke of Sussex.
So, you can imagine I was quite humbled by the opportunity to have an early preview of “With Love Meghan” at the request of Netflix. I watched the first five episodes of the show, which will air on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
I do not want to be a spoiler but let me say in a few words: With Love, Meghan is part Secrets of the Blue Zones meets Finding Italy with Stanley Tucci. It is a culinary, hospitality, and human connection masterclass. It was not at all what I was expecting, but I found myself caught up in the wonderful soundtrack and the freshness of each episode, where I learned how to do something not just new but, perhaps, something magical. Something peaceful. Something transformative when it comes to being a hostess in my home, in my garden, or simply with myself.
I love the first five minutes of the opening episode because Markle and a friend are standing with a beehive. Mining honey. Who knew that the Duchess was an apiculturist (a less common term for a beekeeper)? Both apiarist and apiculturist come from the Latin word apis, which means “bee.” Bees are such small yet powerful creatures, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. They make honey, which sustains us and heals us naturally. And yet, a simple sting from one of them can kill the biggest man or beast.
The opening contains a subtle message: You can make honey out of life’s bee stings.
And let’s face it; few have been stung more by the British tabloids than the Duchess. I believe she was being intentional with this opening around bees, signaling to us that she is not just okay—she is thriving. She is settled, whole, at peace, and living with love, care, and connection to those who matter to her, and to those to whom she matters.
As you move through each episode, you will notice something refreshing. The music ranges from a good mixture of instrumental R&B, new age, pop, and smooth jazz. And occasionally, a throwback to the 1950s bossa nova beat and 1960s Motown era. Hints of the Archies—”Sugar, aww honey, honey.” Frank Sinatra. A verbal shoutout by Markle to Beyonce’s song “Cozy.” And even a little ditty reminiscent of the Elvis era meets an Amy Winehouse vibe. Great music. Great vibe.
Markle opens the series by talking about facing our fears and being connected. Being hospitable is one of my big things when people come to our home. So, I was thrilled to see how she spoils her guests with bedside gifts and refreshments. For my part, I have a bedside crystal water pitcher and glass set for guests, filled with fresh spring water in the morning and again at night.
In this series, viewers will learn how to make truffle popcorn from a literal ear of dry corn on the cob. This is a show for people who have time and love to cook, nurture, and connect with food, family, and friends.
Markle even threw in a great comment (while hanging with her bestie Daniel) about “sealing our edges”—Black women will laugh because it is a shout-out to her mixed race heritage as half white and half Black. Some will not catch when her friend Daniel says, “Lay it down, girl,”—talking about black women and how we take great care to have smooth hair edges. I laughed out loud. I caught it!!
In a nutshell, here are a few takeaways I can share without spoiling the series for you in advance:
1. This show is not for everyone. This show is for women (and some men) who have the time to be “present” and who entertain a lot. It is great for women who have children and, perhaps, houseguests often. It is for foodies and cooks. Bakers and homemakers. People who like home remedies, home cooking, and hospitality.
2. This show opens us up to a different Meghan Markle. She has grown wiser deeply since the TIG blog. And she is most of all at ease with herself. Something my late paternal grandmother used to tell me in my twenties: “One day you will get comfortable with yourself. And that is a great day in a woman’s life.” Meghan is 100% comfortable with herself.
3. This is not a show you binge-watch. You need to take it all in. It is a sensory treat, a delightful breath of fresh air when it comes to lifestyle shows. This series has it all: How to throw a good kid’s party. How to have “girls brunch in the garden.” And how to be present—the greatest gift of all the many I found in this series.
My final recommendation: Watch With Love Meghan with your girlfriends. With some great sangria or French press coffee. Take notes. Take it all in. Try some of the featured dishes and sweets. Try to make her famous Sun tea this summer. Just whatever you do watch it! You will thank me later.