Meghan Markle has once again found herself at the center of controversy, this time regarding the future of her Netflix show With Love, Meghan.
While she celebrated what she described as a renewal for a second season, Netflix executives were reportedly behind closed doors questioning how they ended up in this $100 million predicament. According to an insider who spoke to The Daily Mail, Meghan conveniently omitted one critical detail: what she is calling a second season is not actually a renewal. In reality, both parts of the show were filmed back-to-back last year as part of the original contract. There is no new deal, no fresh vote of confidence from Netflix—just the second half of what was already completed.
The scale of this misrepresentation is striking. Meghan intentionally created the illusion that Netflix was so impressed with her show that they rushed to extend the agreement. In truth, this was always part of the initial contract. The only reason Netflix has delayed the release of the second half is to make edits based on audience and press feedback. In other words, they are scrambling to salvage what they can before putting out the rest of this troubled project. The reception has been overwhelmingly negative. Even Hollywood’s most lenient critics, such as The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, have not held back. When entertainment industry trade publications, which typically support celebrity ventures, turn against a project, it signals serious trouble.
The numbers speak for themselves. Meghan’s show fell out of Netflix’s global Top 10 just six days after its release. In stark contrast, when Catherine, Princess of Wales, hosted her Christmas carol service, it was watched by millions and praised for its warmth, authenticity, and community spirit. The difference is striking—one royal uniting people through a heartfelt event, the other promoting overpriced jam while attempting to position herself as an influential Hollywood figure.
Adding to the ongoing controversy is the issue of Meghan and Harry’s use of the Sussex name. Lord Ivar Mountbatten, a cousin of the late Prince Philip, publicly clarified the matter in Town & Country magazine. He made it clear that Meghan’s legal surname is Mountbatten-Windsor, not Sussex. Titles are not legal surnames, and her children, Archie and Lilibet, are officially named Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. This aligns with royal protocol, something every legitimate royal adheres to. William and Catherine have never signed official documents as "the Cambridges" or "the Waleses"—those are informal references, not legal names. However, Meghan continues to break with tradition, creating her own set of rules regardless of centuries-old customs.
This Netflix debacle bears a striking resemblance to Meghan’s failed Spotify deal. At the time, her team attempted to convince the public that her podcast was outperforming Joe Rogan’s, despite Rogan averaging 11 million listeners per episode while Meghan struggled to reach even 300,000. The numbers never added up, and now, the same smoke-and-mirrors strategy is playing out with Netflix. Adding to the spectacle, a massive billboard promoting With Love, Meghan was displayed in New York City. However, insiders revealed that Netflix did not fund the advertisement—Meghan herself paid for it because the streaming giant refused to cover the promotional costs. If that isn’t a red flag, what is?
Reports also suggest that Meghan is refusing to communicate with Netflix CEO Greg Peters because she believes he does not understand her vision. But she is not alone in that sentiment—many observers are puzzled as to how someone with so many resources and opportunities has repeatedly failed to produce successful projects. In contrast, the British royal family continues its work without the need for publicity stunts. King Charles has spent decades championing environmental conservation, Princess Anne carries out hundreds of engagements each year with little fanfare, and Queen Camilla has dedicated herself to literacy and supporting domestic abuse survivors. William and Catherine prioritize causes such as early childhood development, mental health, and homelessness. They do not rely on PR gimmicks or exaggerated claims—their work speaks for itself. Meanwhile, Prince Harry, once a respected royal, now makes brief appearances in Meghan’s increasingly questionable ventures.
Meghan insists that her brand is aspirational, but authenticity, service, and real impact define aspiration—not awkward cooking segments with name-dropped celebrities who barely acknowledge her. True aspirational figures, such as Queen Elizabeth, embodied duty, wisdom, and grace. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is admired globally for her warmth and commitment to her role. Even controversial figures like Gwyneth Paltrow succeed because, love her or hate her, she is unapologetically herself. Meghan, on the other hand, is still playing a role rather than embracing her true self.
So what’s next for the Sussexes? Their Netflix deal is on shaky ground, their brand’s trademark filings are in jeopardy, and their supposed second season is nothing more than a repackaging of previously filmed content. Meanwhile, the working royals continue to uphold their responsibilities with dignity and purpose. It is a tale of two contrasting worlds—one built on service and authenticity, the other on PR tactics and vanity projects.
