Meghan Markle is once again stepping into the public eye, but this time, it’s not for her royal escapades or nostalgic buzz around Suits reruns.
Instead, the Duchess of Sussex appears to be venturing into a different realm—culinary shows. However, the internet is abuzz with whispers (or rather, shouts) of imitation. Meghan’s latest Netflix project has drawn more attention for its uncanny resemblance to established cooking and lifestyle content, prompting fans and critics alike to accuse her of borrowing, quite liberally, from other famous personalities—most notably, wellness mogul Gwyneth Paltrow.
It didn’t take long for sharp-eyed viewers to connect the dots between Meghan’s upcoming cooking series trailer and some iconic content created by Paltrow. Social media was flooded with comments highlighting the similarities. One particular comparison stood out: Paltrow’s celebrated Vogue video, where she strolls through her verdant garden, reflecting on life while artfully arranging flowers. The serene, ethereal vibe of that video, steeped in luxury and mindfulness, seems to have been recreated—almost to a tee—in Meghan’s promotional trailer. While the Duchess may have aimed for a polished, approachable influencer-next-door persona, the result feels more like a budget replica. And when stacked side-by-side, it’s hard to deny that Paltrow’s original execution had a touch of finesse that Meghan’s version simply struggles to emulate.
This isn’t Meghan’s first foray into the aspirational lifestyle market, either. Back in March, she launched her own wellness brand, American Riviera Orchard. With $75 candles and other luxury goods on offer, some questioned the authenticity behind the venture, especially given Meghan’s well-documented lack of culinary expertise. The promotional material for the brand bore striking similarities to Paltrow’s Goop campaigns: hands gracefully arranging roses, tranquil music, and a homey kitchen setting. Observers couldn’t help but notice how reminiscent it all was of Goop’s now-famous roasted chicken video, where Paltrow elevated poultry preparation into an art form. Even the lemons artfully placed in Meghan’s background felt like a nod—intentional or not—to the Goop aesthetic.
Reddit users wasted no time dissecting the trailer. One user commented, “She’s totally copying one of Gwyneth’s early Goop videos—the roasted chicken one!” Another quipped, “OMG, lemons and all.” The parallels were so blatant that it seemed less like homage and more like a high-budget impersonation.
It’s hard not to recall Meghan’s past remarks about lifestyle branding. At a 2016 influencer conference, she famously took a jab at overpriced candles, insinuating she’d never peddle such frivolities. Fast forward a few years, and here we are—with Meghan now marketing high-end candles herself. This ironic twist has not gone unnoticed, and some wonder if Gwyneth might remember that jab as well. Speculation about her reaction—possibly an epic eye-roll—feels all too easy to imagine.
For all its controversy, it’s unlikely that Meghan will face any real consequences over the alleged copying. Netflix thrives on drama, and if the buzz surrounding her cooking show generates viewership, whether positive or negative, it’s a win in their books. Meghan has a knack for attracting attention, even if it’s more often accompanied by raised eyebrows and cringes than admiration.
Picture this: Gwyneth Paltrow, the undisputed queen of wellness and luxury living, watching Meghan’s trailer for the first time. The woman who built an empire on sophistication and exclusivity doesn’t need to chase royal status—she carved her own path. The hypothetical eye-roll that fans envision? Quite possibly the eye-roll of the century. And while Meghan may be climbing the lifestyle brand ladder, it’s clear that the throne atop it still belongs to Gwyneth.
