Jeremy Clarkson has once again delivered a brutal yet masterfully subtle takedown of Meghan Markle, and word has it that she is not handling it well behind the high walls of Montecito.
Just when Meghan was hoping to dazzle audiences with her latest Netflix venture, With Love, Meghan, where she shares tips on arranging fruit and sprinkling lavender on towels, Clarkson stepped in with a critique so sharp he didn’t even need to say her name outright. Many might recall the controversy Clarkson sparked in 2022 with a column about Meghan that was widely condemned, forcing him to issue a dramatic apology.
Given that history, one would assume he’d steer clear of commenting on her latest project. However, in a recent column for The Sun, Clarkson took an entirely different approach. He began by stating, “Obviously, I’m not going to comment on Meghan Markle’s new television show,” before delivering a masterstroke of sarcasm: “Safe to say that I wish as never before that AA Gill was still alive.” For those unfamiliar, AA Gill was one of the most ruthless television critics in British history, known for reviews so scathing they could bring even the toughest celebrities to tears. Clarkson’s message was clear—he found the show beyond criticism, implying that if Gill were still around, he would have absolutely eviscerated it.
Behind the scenes, sources suggest Meghan is livid. One can easily picture her meticulously arranged fruit platter being flung across the room while Harry scrambles for cover, enduring yet another rant about how the world fails to recognize her brilliance. While this is, of course, speculation, her history of reacting poorly to criticism makes it an easy scene to imagine.
To make matters worse for Meghan, Clarkson is far from the only one unimpressed. Reviews for With Love, Meghan have been absolutely brutal. The Independent gave it one star. The Guardian did the same. Even Rotten Tomatoes, known for aggregating critic and audience opinions, has labeled it “rotten,” with a dismal 35% score from critics and an even more humiliating 19% from viewers. For context, budget airlines have received better ratings.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Catherine continue to handle their roles with dignity and grace. While Meghan is reportedly throwing tantrums over her failing Netflix show, Catherine has been quietly focusing on her recovery without using her personal struggles for publicity or sympathy. William, for his part, has seamlessly balanced his royal duties while supporting his wife and children. This is what true royalty looks like—grace, responsibility, and commitment to duty. Similarly, King Charles and Queen Camilla have continued their work despite the King’s own health battles, demonstrating the true meaning of service. None of them have abandoned their roles for lucrative streaming deals or media attention.
This latest Netflix failure underscores a fundamental issue with Harry and Meghan’s brand. Strip away their royal connections, and what remains? A lifestyle show that countless YouTubers produce with far more authenticity and success—at least those creators film in their own kitchens rather than staged sets. The public is starting to see through the illusion. Four years after their dramatic royal exit, what have they actually accomplished? A podcast that flopped after one season, a children’s book that faded into obscurity, a documentary riddled with questionable claims, Harry’s memoir Spare—which only deepened his rift with his family—and now a lifestyle show that has been met with widespread ridicule.
Netflix had high hopes for the Sussexes, but this latest project is proving to be their most public failure yet. Executives are undoubtedly watching the numbers and reviews closely, and it’s only a matter of time before they question whether continuing to invest in the couple’s projects is worth it. The Sussex Squad, who eagerly hyped up the show, must be feeling second thoughts now. Even the most loyal fans may be reconsidering their support.
Clarkson’s latest jab is particularly telling. He faced intense backlash for his previous comments, issued an apology, and still couldn’t resist taking another swipe at Meghan’s show. That alone speaks volumes. If even someone who has already been burned by the backlash can’t hold back, the content must be truly dreadful.
One has to wonder what Harry makes of all this. Does he sit through screenings of the show, nodding enthusiastically while secretly longing for the days when he had real purpose—serving his country and championing meaningful causes? Does he ever look at Prince William, continuing their mother’s legacy with genuine impact, and feel even the slightest pang of regret? The contrast between the brothers has never been starker. William, the future King, remains a devoted husband and father, carrying on Diana’s work in a meaningful way. Harry, on the other hand, is now a glorified Netflix figurehead, isolated from his family and left clinging to a crumbling brand.
Even more cringeworthy are the notes of support from Harry himself. “Congratulations, Mama, we love your show and we love you.” Does anyone actually believe he wrote that? The same man who once served in the military and took on serious charitable efforts is now reduced to leaving syrupy notes about a lifestyle show that critics can’t even stomach. It’s a depressing transformation.
This entire Netflix debacle is the perfect embodiment of what has gone wrong with Harry and Meghan’s post-royal strategy. They crave the prestige that comes with royalty but refuse to put in the hard work that earns true respect. They want the platform without the responsibility, the privilege without the service, and the public is no longer fooled. Meanwhile, Catherine doesn’t need to prove she is royal—she simply is. She carries out her duties with quiet strength, without a Netflix crew following her every move.
It feels like this failed show may be a turning point for the Sussex brand. The illusion is fading, and the world is finally seeing them for who they really are. How many more chances will they get? How many more flops before even their most devoted supporters walk away? And as for Jeremy Clarkson, he’s likely having the last laugh. With just one cleverly worded remark, he has delivered what might be the most devastating critique of all—proving that sometimes, the sharpest takedown doesn’t even require direct criticism.
