According to Richard Eden, the Royal editor at the Daily Mail, filming for Meghan Markle's upcoming Netflix show was poised to commence within hours.
However, contrary to expectations, filming will transpire at the Sussex's Monteo Mansion. Megan is set to kickstart filming her inaugural solo series on Tuesday, April 16th, at a nearby property in the upscale California neighborhood. A source disclosed to the editor that Netflix has secured a residence in Monteo for the filming of the series.
This show is anticipated to align with Megan's nascent lifestyle brand, American Rivier Orchard, which she debuted on Instagram earlier this year, amassing a substantial following of over 590,000 individuals. Trademark applications in the US indicate Megan's plans to market trendy cookware and fashionable food products, including fruit butters and spreads crafted with legumes under the AR brand, alongside her own line of cookbooks.
This new series represents one of two television projects Megan and Harry are producing for Netflix, intending to celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertainment, and friendship, according to statements from the streaming giant. Megan's representative declined to comment on why she opted to film the series in a different abode. Nonetheless, it seems improbable that space was a constraint, as their Spanish Revival-style Mansion, estimated to be worth $14 million, purportedly boasts nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, a gym, a bar, a five-car garage, and various other amenities.
Some critics contend that the decision to film in an alternate home suggests that the Sussexes don't actually own the Monteo mansion, positing that they merely reside in a rented cottage. These skeptics argue that the couple consistently films in a small room with IKEA furniture, insinuating that the mansion served as a mere façade to project an image of opulence and prosperity. The speculation and criticism persist as fans deliberate the rationale behind this decision. Some speculate that the Sussexes sold the mansion due to inability to afford upkeep costs, while others believe it was a deliberate move to present a more ordinary and relatable image.
Comparisons are drawn to other celebrities like Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, and Joanna Gaines, who film content in their own homes, showcasing their pets and children, fostering a sense of connection with viewers. Interestingly, there is no visible evidence of children or toys in Meghan's kitchen, even when Netflix is visiting, prompting some skeptics to question the appeal of a new Netflix series with Megan positioned in a kitchen, self-promoting. However, it's noteworthy that the show is being produced by Sony Pictures Television and Intellectual Property Corporation, the entity behind popular shows like "The Deed," "Shark Tank," and "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath."
In addition to her involvement in the show, Megan is purportedly an executive producer for ARLE, the company she co-founded alongside head of non-fiction, Chanel Cynic. The precise details and direction of Megan's new series remain to be seen, but it undeniably stirs interest and speculation among fans and critics alike.
