Meghan Markle has made a stylish return to our screens with her latest Netflix venture, With Love, Meghan.
The highly anticipated trailer has already dropped, offering a glamorous glimpse into her world—a fusion of star-studded cameos, elegant visuals, and moments crafted to feel authentic. But as the buzz intensifies, so does the speculation. Critics are questioning the originality of the recipes featured in the show, wondering aloud whether Meghan’s culinary creations are genuinely her own. Given her frequent discussions about authenticity, one might expect her to bring something truly unique to the table. Instead, the internet is ablaze with questions like, "How many of Cory Vitiello’s recipes will Meghan borrow this time?"
For those unfamiliar, Cory Vitiello, a well-known celebrity chef and Meghan’s ex-boyfriend prior to her relationship with Prince Harry, has become a central figure in this culinary controversy. His fans find the timing of Meghan’s newfound passion for refined yet approachable cuisine rather suspicious. Did her interest in elevated cooking conveniently resurface as her Netflix debut approached? The trailer’s charming montage certainly includes plenty of relatable Meghan moments: squeezing lemon juice into her eye, accidentally toppling a tray of baked goods—all calculated clumsiness designed to endear her to viewers. And, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a heartfelt embrace from Prince Harry, the couple sipping mimosas as though life were a Pinterest-perfect dream.
Hollywood friends like Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer make cheerful cameos, sampling Meghan’s culinary offerings. Kaling even gushes that sharing a meal with Meghan was "one of the most glamorous moments" of her life. Really, Mindy? Eating a salad with Meghan trumps all those red-carpet events? While the star power adds sparkle, it’s the cooking itself—and the allegations of recipe appropriation—that have taken center stage.
Let’s address the elephant in the kitchen: accusations of uncredited borrowing. Meghan’s critics claim this isn’t her first brush with unoriginal content. Fans will remember the infamous Ladybug Caprese appetizer that made headlines back in 2018. Many suspect it’s making a recycled appearance on With Love, Meghan. Meanwhile, chefs like Vitiello pour their creativity and countless hours into crafting unique dishes. If Meghan is indeed passing off someone else’s hard work as her own, it’s not just a breach of authenticity—it’s outright fraudulent.
What is it about Meghan and her relentless pursuit of "authenticity"? Everything must be rustic, wholesome, and genuine—from the hand-kneaded country bread to the organic, farm-fresh butter. Even the avocados seem to have a backstory. This obsession with crafting a narrative of self-made culinary prowess sometimes ventures into cringe-worthy territory. There’s an air of trying just a bit too hard to convince viewers that she’s a down-to-earth chef next door.
And then, predictably, come the heartwarming references to her children. Imagine the carefully staged moments: tiny hands sprinkling flour, Meghan smiling proudly as though campaigning for PTA president. You can already envision a touching anecdote about Archie or Lilibet helping with the recipes. Sentimentality sells, after all.
Another point of intrigue: Meghan’s well-publicized claim of being 43% Nigerian. Will With Love, Meghan showcase traditional Nigerian dishes? Will there be an emotional reflection on teaching her children to embrace their multicultural heritage through food? Or will this opportunity to highlight genuine cultural storytelling be glossed over in favor of photogenic, Instagram-worthy meals? Time will tell.
As for Cory Vitiello, this could be his moment to break his silence. If his original recipes are indeed being used without proper acknowledgment, the public deserves transparency. A Netflix cooking show may offer entertainment, but it lacks the depth and authenticity of true culinary artistry. If Meghan’s project turns out to be another exercise in branding rather than substance, it’s fair to call it what it is.
In the end, With Love, Meghan may prove to be more spectacle than sincerity—but let’s face it, the drama will be captivating. There’s something undeniably entertaining about a duchess attempting to appear relatable while potentially borrowing recipes without credit. It’s the kind of culinary soap opera that keeps viewers tuning in for more, even if the dish isn’t entirely her own.
