Netflix has officially pulled the curtain back on Meghan Markle’s new cooking show, and the response has been about as warm as a forgotten soufflé at Buckingham Palace.
But the real controversy isn’t just the uninspired nature of this latest vanity project—it’s the shocking revelations from the show’s own director that expose the truth behind Meghan’s so-called culinary expertise. Director Michael Sweet recently dropped some eyebrow-raising insights about working with the self-proclaimed Duchess of the kitchen, and his comments confirm what many have long suspected: Meghan’s cooking skills are nothing extraordinary. In his own words, her culinary abilities are “pretty spot on,” but she is “not a chef.” If that isn’t the textbook definition of a backhanded compliment, it’s hard to say what is.
Breaking that down, he’s essentially admitting that while she can follow a recipe, she possesses no remarkable talent or professional training in the kitchen. This is the same woman who once positioned herself as a lifestyle guru through her now-defunct blog, The Tig, long before she set her sights on the British royal family. She wanted the world to believe she was a sophisticated foodie, but the truth is now coming to light, and it’s painfully clear—she is no chef.
The director didn’t stop there. He added that he knows several people who are “really, really good” at cooking, a subtle yet telling remark that implies Meghan isn’t one of them. He also insisted the show isn’t meant to portray her as a professional chef. Perhaps someone should have shared that memo with Meghan before she centered an entire Netflix series around her supposed passion for cooking.
Even more revealing is how the director described Meghan’s evident discomfort in the kitchen. He stated that “imperfection is a wonderful thing” and that it was entertaining to watch her trying to adjust to the kitchen, since “it’s not her place.” Not her place. Let that sink in. The woman couldn’t even navigate the set kitchen properly. He further explained that he wanted to celebrate the “mistakes and mess.” This sudden embrace of imperfection is ironic, considering Meghan’s past reputation for having an allegedly “freakishly keen eye for detail,” as one of her friends claimed during the Princess Catherine Mother’s Day photo controversy. So where was that legendary precision when it came to her own cooking show? Convenient, isn’t it?
The story takes an even juicier turn when comparing the director’s public statements to insider accounts. While Michael Sweet described the set as a relaxed and enjoyable environment, a Netflix insider painted a starkly different picture last year. According to this source, working with Meghan was exhausting, and the final product was simply not worth the effort. In translation—she was difficult to work with, and the outcome didn’t justify the headache. Are we surprised? Not in the slightest.
Hollywood has its own coded language, and when someone describes a production as “chill and fun,” it often means the experience was chaotic, but they are contractually obligated to maintain a positive front. It’s clear that the director is attempting to salvage his own reputation after being associated with what might be Netflix’s biggest flop of the year. And yes, a flop it certainly is. Critics have shredded the show, with The Economist cutting particularly deep by pointing out that Meghan’s ultimate advice for elevating one’s life appears to be marrying a British royal. Harsh, but where’s the lie?
Even traditionally pro-Sussex media outlets are turning against her. New York Magazine described her as “desperate for approval,” performing an act of normalcy to achieve it. When even the liberal media starts to withdraw its support, you know trouble is brewing.
What’s truly frustrating is Meghan’s ongoing reliance on her royal ties while simultaneously attacking the very institution that gave her prominence. She wants the benefits of royalty without the responsibilities that come with it. Meanwhile, Princess Catherine and Prince William continue to embody the grace, dignity, and sense of duty that define true monarchy. The contrast couldn’t be more striking. While Catherine courageously battles cancer and prioritizes her family, Meghan has been prancing around a Netflix set pretending to know her way around a kitchen. This is the same woman who once compared herself to Nelson Mandela, yet she struggles to find a measuring cup in her own home.
And then there’s Prince Harry, standing by as his wife systematically dismantles everything he once held dear. The once vibrant, devoted prince who brought joy to the royal family and served his country with honor has been reduced to Meghan’s personal assistant and occasional cameraman. It’s a heartbreaking transformation to witness.
This entire debacle only reinforces what royal watchers have long suspected—the Sussex brand is built on illusion rather than substance. Every project they release only further highlights their lack of depth. First, they sold their grievances to Oprah. Then Harry repackaged the same sob story in Spare. Next came the Netflix documentary, revisiting their complaints once again. And now, Meghan has resorted to a cooking show where she fumbles her way through basic recipes. They’ve gone from making royal headlines to struggling with pancake batter, and the desperation is palpable.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the working royals continue to fulfill their responsibilities with quiet dignity. King Charles, despite his own cancer diagnosis, has resumed his duties with steadfast commitment. Queen Camilla has earned public respect through her steady, gracious presence. William and Catherine remain dedicated to raising their children with a balance of duty and normalcy. The contrast is glaring—on one side, substance and service; on the other, self-promotion and empty vanity projects.
Meghan and Harry continue to trade on their royal status while simultaneously undermining the institution that gave them their platform. They demand privacy until they need a headline. They crave prestige without responsibility, titles without duty, and fame without purpose. But fame without substance is fleeting.
Princess Diana became a legend not simply because she was famous, but because she used her platform to make a tangible difference. Catherine earns respect not just for her title, but for her grace and genuine commitment to meaningful causes. Meghan, on the other hand, has spent years curating an image of perfection—the humanitarian, the feminist, the lifestyle expert. Yet, when the cameras follow her beyond a carefully staged photoshoot, the façade crumbles.
Netflix reportedly handed the Sussexes a $100 million deal, and now the streaming giant is scrambling to make that investment pay off. First, a tell-all royal exposé. Then, an Invictus Games documentary. Now, a lackluster cooking show. What’s next—Harry learns how to grocery shop? At this point, nothing would be surprising.
As the Sussexes continue chasing relevance, William, Catherine, and the rest of the royal family will carry on with the dignity and duty that define true royalty. Because at the end of the day, real royalty doesn’t need Netflix specials or staged cooking shows to remain relevant. It’s about service, tradition, and devotion to something greater than oneself.
