Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, has sparked quite the reaction—especially from British television personality Vanessa Feltz. Known for speaking her mind, Vanessa delivered a blunt four-word review: “She’s definitely cashing in.” But her criticism didn’t stop there.
Rather than simply comment on the production’s big budget and high profile, Vanessa decided to have some fun by creating her own parody version titled With Love, Vanessa. She claims the project was made on a shoestring budget—literally using string, cellotape, hula hoops, and a reusable shopping bag. Despite the humble setup, her spoof has been gaining traction, nearly rivaling Meghan’s original series in views, even though Meghan’s deal is reportedly worth £80 million.
Interestingly, Vanessa says she didn’t create the parody out of spite. She made it clear she doesn’t hate or despise Meghan and doesn’t consider herself one of her detractors. Her tone was more playful than bitter, incorporating Meghan’s favorite buzzwords like “joyful” and “elevating,” all while donning a pink gingham dress. But the lighthearted delivery masked a deeper critique. Vanessa believes Meghan never truly grasped the significance of her royal role. According to her, it’s as if no one explained the gravity of marrying Prince Harry and becoming the Duchess of Sussex—one of the most esteemed titles in the world. In Vanessa’s eyes, creating a show that focuses on packing pretzels and tying bows feels out of step with what that role demands. It’s the kind of project, she suggests, that might suit someone without a royal title.
Vanessa argues that Meghan may have misunderstood the essence of being a royal. Rather than using her platform to embody something greater than herself, she seems to have pivoted toward being a relatable influencer. Vanessa sees this as a downgrade—from a senior royal to what she called a “jobbing celebrity,” now associated with marketing everyday fashion items in a way that resembles reality TV culture. She describes this shift as unfortunate, not because making money is inherently wrong, but because of what it implies about priorities.
Vanessa is quick to clarify that she doesn’t oppose Meghan earning income. In fact, she questions whether there’s anything wrong with capitalizing on fame. After all, no one is being forced to purchase luxury dresses or high-end cashmere. The issue, she suggests, isn’t financial gain—it’s about purpose and self-perception. When someone is given an extraordinary platform as a royal, why settle for something smaller? Why opt for glamour over gravity?
Regardless of how one feels about Meghan, Vanessa’s perspective taps into a broader conversation about influence, identity, and the value of status. Meghan had the potential to be a powerful force for meaningful change, but to some, she now appears as just another celebrity in a crowded field, rather than a duchess who stands apart. So the question remains: Is Meghan simply taking control of her own story, or is she turning away from a role that offered something far more impactful?
