Meghan Markle was reportedly all for postponing her new Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan,” amid the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
After announcing the delay, the Duchess raised eyebrows, but a source close to the Sussexes has shed light on her genuine reason for pushing the release date back.
Meghan Markle has since expressed gratitude to Netflix for supporting the delay, emphasizing empathy for displaced families.
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Delaying The Cooking Show Was An ‘Easy Decision’ For Meghan Markle To Make
Meghan did not hesitate to postpone her upcoming Netflix cooking series, “With Love, Meghan,” just days before its scheduled premiere amid the wildfires.
The show, initially set to launch on January 15, has been postponed to March 4 due to the devastating wildfires affecting her hometown of Los Angeles.
While some critics have questioned the reasoning behind the two-month delay, sources close to the Duchess of Sussex told People Magazine that the decision was driven by genuine concern for those impacted by the disaster.
“Delaying the release of With Love, Meghan was likely an easy decision for her,” an insider shared. “I don’t think she could imagine putting out a show centered on joy and hosting when so many people in her home state no longer have homes to host people in.”
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The source also addressed skepticism surrounding Meghan’s motives, emphasizing that the decision was rooted in empathy.
“I think it’s sad that critics are saying she’s only doing this to avoid the fires overshadowing her show. We’re all human, and we’re dealing with a catastrophe,” the source noted.
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The Duchess Thanked Netflix For Supporting Her
In a statement released on Sunday, just three days before her Netflix cooking series premiere, Meghan expressed gratitude for the streaming giant’s support in postponing the show.
“I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,” the Duchess of Sussex shared.
“With Love, Meghan” is said to feature heartfelt tributes to California, reflecting Meghan’s deep connection to her home state.
The show’s description states, “‘With Love, Meghan’ is produced by Meghan and offers a mix of practical how-to guides and open conversations with both familiar and new friends.”
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The series focuses on Meghan sharing her “personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection, and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected.”
It added: “She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, and invite you to do the same.”
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Meghan Markle’s ‘With Love, Meghan’ Series Showcases Everyday Elegance and Joyful Connections
The highly anticipated lifestyle series was first hinted at when Meghan introduced her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, in March of last year.
The trailer features the Duchess cooking in her Montecito kitchen, harvesting fresh produce from her garden, and chatting with high-profile friends, all set to the upbeat tune of The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Do You Believe in Magic.”
Meghan shares her passion for adding thoughtful touches to everyday moments.
“I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it, surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them,” she says.
Meghan goes on to explain that the series will offer simple tips and tricks for incorporating these thoughtful gestures into daily life.
“This is about connecting with friends… We’re not in the pursuit of perfection, we’re in the pursuit of joy,” she added.
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Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Support Wildfire Relief Efforts
The decision to postpone the release of “With Love, Meghan” followed Harry and Meghan’s hands-on volunteering efforts in Pasadena, where they spent an entire day supporting wildfire relief efforts.
Partnering with World Central Kitchen, a longtime collaborator with their Archewell Foundation, the couple helped serve meals to those affected by the devastating fires.
Footage from Fox 11 Los Angeles captured Harry and Meghan engaging with volunteers and Pasadena’s mayor, Victor Gordo.
The mayor praised their involvement, describing them as “great people” with “great personalities” and noting their positive impact on first responders.
“They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl and people were very happy to see them,” Gordo shared.
The Royal Couple Opened Their Home To Fire-Displaced Friends And Loved Ones
According to The Telegraph, Harry and Meghan opened up the doors to their $29 million Montecito mansion to friends and loved ones affected by the ravaging fires in Southern California.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex live about 90 miles north of the Los Angeles area in the Santa Barbara enclave and are not under evacuation as their community wasn’t directly affected by the wildfires.
Besides sheltering their friends, Harry and Meghan donated to relief efforts through their Archewell Foundation.
They shared an impassioned statement on their Sussex.com website, urging people to support those displaced and to “check in” on the elderly and disabled individuals.