Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix project, With Love, Meghan, is facing fierce criticism, with former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown leading the charge. Brown, a respected royal commentator, described the series as an out-of-touch portrayal of “fake perfection,” arguing that Markle consistently misreads cultural trends.
In her Fresh Hell newsletter, Brown wrote that Markle has an “unerring instinct for getting it wrong,” debuting a show about curated perfection at a time when audiences are rejecting that very concept.
Brown also criticized Markle’s attempt at an influencer persona, claiming she struggles to present an authentic image. According to Brown, Markle has positioned herself as a leader in lifestyle branding, but in reality, she is always a step behind the latest trends.
Scathing Review of ‘With Love, Meghan’
The former Vanity Fair editor specifically called out the show’s bizarre opening sequence, where Markle, dressed in a beekeeper suit, whispers about the wonders of bees with an apiarist. Brown described the scene as “preposterous” and said it set the tone for a series that feels disconnected from reality.
According to Brown, the Duchess of Sussex has lost her footing since stepping onto the global stage nearly a decade ago. She argued that Markle has backtracked rather than evolved, seemingly struggling to establish a compelling public persona outside of the royal family.
Other UK critics have also slammed With Love, Meghan, labeling it “an exercise in narcissism” and “so awful it is almost compelling.” Despite the backlash, the series has performed well on Netflix, ranking in the platform’s Top 10 globally and securing a second season.
Missed Royal Opportunities and Public Image Issues
Brown also revisited the Sussexes’ departure from royal duties, arguing that Markle and Prince Harry acted too hastily when they stepped away from the monarchy. She suggested that waiting until Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022 would have positioned them for greater opportunities.
She claimed that had Markle remained patient, the couple would have been offered prestigious global roles and high-profile engagements when Prince William became Prince of Wales. Instead, they opted for Hollywood deals, including Netflix projects and Harry’s controversial memoir, Spare.
Beyond the Netflix series, Brown took aim at Markle’s recent business ventures, including her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. She criticized the Duchess for launching a product line without securing trademarks, calling it a sign of poor planning and a “ravenous quest for prestige.”
Markle and Prince Harry have yet to publicly respond to Brown’s criticism.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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