Meghan 'knows what she's doing'

The Duchess of Sussex’s new Netflix series might have instantly become one of the most-watched new series of the year, but speculation about “subtle messages” about and to her British royal in-laws appear to have become the biggest takeaway. With Love, Meghan dropped on the streaming service last week and millions of intrigued viewers tuned in to see her swap lifestyle tips with celebrity friends such as actors Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer, and make-up artist Daniel Martin.
A source tells us this week that Meghan, 43, will be fully aware of the impact of the show’s talking points – including comments about having “been through something” and healing from it, and things that have been “missing” from her life.
“She knows exactly what she’s doing,” the source claims. “She’ll say just enough to get the subtle messages across, but not so much that she could actually be accused of saying anything unkind or coming across as bitter or ungrateful.
“This is all about Meghan wanting people to see her as the woman she was before Harry came along, but it’s hard to do that without looking like you’re trying to erase or be negative about what came after – it’s not an easy task. She wants people to see that she’s likeable, as normal as a famous actress can be, but also that she doesn’t feel she’s been broken by anything that’s happened.”
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In the fifth episode of the wholesome show, with her best friend and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, Abigail says, “We’ve all been through a lot,” before turning to Meghan, in what’s been perceived by some as another dig at Meghan’s time with the royal family.
Branding expert Lynn Carratt, of Press Box PR, maintains that the show has been produced in such a way that it sends some very clear signals.
“There are a few messages Meghan is clearly trying to convey in this documentary. She is trying to show herself as the perfect mum, the perfect and happiest wife, the perfect cook, the perfect host, the perfect friend. It’s all very carefully curated and aesthetically pleasing.
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“Her subtle digs to the royal family, and to Kate and William perhaps in particular, seem to be, ‘Look at me, I’m happy thank you very much, living my picture-perfect Californian life, Harry and I made the right decision by quitting the royal family.’”
In the final instalment of the eight episodes, we see the duchess host a finale brunch for her friends, as well as husband Prince Harry, 40, and her mum, Doria Ragland.
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She uses the opportunity to officially introduce her new lifestyle brand As Ever, saying it marked a “new chapter”, which has been perceived by some as a very clear signal that she’s closing the book on her royal life.
“And here we go, there’s a business!” she toasts. “All of that is part of that creativity that I’ve missed so much, so thank you for loving me so much and celebrating with me.”
While tasting her final dish, Meghan also comments, “It tastes like home, and I’ve missed California,” leaving viewers with no doubt about where she sees herself living, despite ongoing speculation about a possible return to the UK...