Meghan Markle takes a jab at Kate Middleton and shares rare glimpse of Lilibet in lifestyle show
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has once again captured the public’s attention with the launch of her new career phase as the host of a lifestyle series on Netflix. In one of the episodes of “With Love, Meghan,” which premiered in March, she made a comment widely interpreted as a subtle dig at Princess Kate Middleton, Prince William, and even King Charles III. Adding to the buzz, Meghan surprised viewers by featuring rare footage of her three-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet, born to her and Prince Harry. The move marks a shift toward openness in the duchess’s private life, which has largely remained shielded from the spotlight since she stepped away from the British royal family in 2020. Her words, paired with Lilibet’s appearance, have reignited curiosity about her strained ties with the royals.
Five years after relinquishing her role as a senior royal, Meghan is carving out a fresh professional path. During her time within the monarchy, she set aside her acting career—most notably known for her role in “Suits”—to fully dedicate herself to representing the Crown at official engagements. Now, unburdened by those duties, she has embraced a project that blends cooking, home decor, and personal care, offering a glimpse into a more authentic and creative side of her personality.
The series, which debuted earlier this month, consists of eight episodes and has already garnered praise from fans following her journey beyond the palace walls. Lilibet’s cameo, alongside tennis icon Serena Williams, a close friend of Meghan’s, brought a heartwarming touch to the production. Meanwhile, the duchess’s on-air remarks continue to spark discussions about potential hidden messages aimed at her husband’s family.
A fresh start for Meghan Markle
After years of maintaining a low profile on social media and settling into a quieter life in California, Meghan Markle has made a bold return to the public eye. Her reappearance on Instagram in January signaled the beginning of a new chapter, following a nearly seven-year hiatus from personal accounts that started when she married Harry in 2018. Since then, she and the prince have kept their children—five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilibet—largely out of sight. However, showcasing Lilibet in her show hints at a shift in strategy, possibly an effort to soften her public image and build a stronger bond with her audience.
In one episode of “With Love, Meghan,” the duchess sat down with her neighbor, Vicky Tsai, the millionaire founder of the skincare brand Tatcha. It was during this exchange that Meghan delivered the line many see as a jab at the royals. Reflecting on overcoming hardship, she noted that something broken can be mended and even made more beautiful. Spoken with a thoughtful tone, the remark struck a chord with viewers as a potential nod to the tensions she faced with Kate Middleton and other royals after her departure in 2020.
Meghan’s relationship with Kate has long been rocky, with reports of friction dating back to the lead-up to her wedding with Harry. In her 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, Meghan famously debunked rumors that she had made Kate cry over flower girl dresses, revealing instead that Kate had been the one to upset her—and later apologized. The comment on her show seems to echo this storyline of resilience and renewal, a recurring theme in Meghan’s current chapter.
Subtle digs and deeper meanings
Meghan’s conversation with Vicky Tsai stood out for its layered message. “If you’ve been through something, you’re not broken. It can be fixed, it can be healed,” she said, as Tsai added that rebuilt things hold more beauty than perfection ever could. For many, these words carry symbolic weight, especially given Meghan’s rocky history with the royal family. Her and Harry’s exit from the monarchy was punctuated by public critiques, including allegations of racism from an unnamed royal, shared during the Oprah interview.
In another segment of the show, Meghan described her return to entertainment as reclaiming “that creativity I missed so much.” The enthusiastic remark was seen by some as another veiled swipe, implying that her time as a royal stifled her artistic spirit. Since settling in Montecito, California, with Harry and their kids, she has poured energy into ventures reflecting her passions, like the Netflix series and her lifestyle brand “As Ever,” unveiled in February.
Lilibet’s appearance on the show didn’t go unnoticed either. The toddler, seldom seen in public, was filmed playing with Serena Williams over a game of “Candyland.” The moment, posted to Meghan’s Instagram on March 2, came with the caption, “When aunties come to play and celebrate! Love you, Serena Williams.” Featuring her daughter in this setting might be Meghan’s way of spotlighting her joyful family life, subtly contrasting it with her estrangement from the royal relatives.
Timeline of Meghan’s new era
Meghan Markle’s shift from royal duchess to entrepreneur and TV host has unfolded over several key moments. Her journey reflects a deliberate effort to redefine her public persona. Here’s a look at the major milestones:
- January 2020: Meghan and Harry announce their step back as senior royals, relocating to the United States.
- January 2025: Meghan reactivates her Instagram after nearly seven years, posting a video of herself writing “2025” in the sand on a Montecito beach.
- February 2025: She launches “As Ever,” a lifestyle brand, featuring a rare photo of her and Lilibet on its website.
- March 2025: “With Love, Meghan” debuts on Netflix, offering eight episodes on cooking, decor, and wellness.
These steps highlight how Meghan has leveraged this year to solidify her presence in the media landscape, using platforms like Netflix and Instagram to connect with a global audience.
Lilibet steals the spotlight with Serena Williams
Offering a lighter moment, Meghan brought Lilibet front and center in a scene that delighted viewers. The three-year-old, sporting red hair inherited from her father, was shown from behind as she played with Serena Williams. Captured on video and shared via Instagram stories, the clip included a countdown to the series premiere. The interplay between mother, daughter, and the tennis star added a playful warmth to the show, which balances practical tips with personal anecdotes.
Serena’s involvement underscores the strong support network Meghan has built outside the monarchy. The two met in 2010 at a Super Bowl event and have since nurtured a close bond, with Serena attending Meghan’s 2018 wedding to Harry. Seeing Lilibet alongside such a prominent figure lends a relatable charm to the narrative Meghan is crafting.
Meanwhile, the divide between Lilibet and Archie and their cousins—George, Charlotte, and Louis, the children of Kate and William—remains stark. Since Harry and Meghan left the UK, their kids have had minimal, if any, interaction with the Wales family, mirroring the growing rift between the two couples.
The fractured bond with Kate Middleton
Friction between Meghan and Kate Middleton is nothing new. Even before Meghan and Harry’s royal exit, whispers of discord surfaced. One widely discussed incident involved a disagreement over flower girl dresses before Meghan’s 2018 wedding. Early tabloid reports claimed Meghan had made Kate cry, but in her Oprah interview, Meghan clarified that Kate had upset her instead, later offering an apology.
The relationship has only grown colder since. Kate and William’s absence from Lilibet’s first birthday celebration in 2022, coupled with the lack of contact between their children and Meghan’s, underscores the divide. Meghan’s show comment about “fixing what’s broken” could be a meditation on these severed ties—or a declaration that she’s found beauty in her life beyond the monarchy.
Meghan’s royal history also includes moments of direct confrontation. In their 2022 Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” she and Harry opened up about their struggles within the Palace, from lack of support to media battles. These revelations deepened the sense that Meghan harbors lingering grievances, a sentiment her recent jabs seem to reflect.
Highlights of the show winning over viewers
“With Love, Meghan” isn’t just a platform for subtle digs or family cameos—it’s a showcase for the duchess’s skills. The series delves into topics beyond cooking and decor, touching on resilience and self-care. Here are some standout features:
- Simple recipes: Meghan shares easy dishes, like red bagels made with her kids for Valentine’s Day.
- Star guests: Alongside Serena Williams, the show features friends and celebrities who enrich the conversations.
- Relatable tips: The duchess offers practical advice accessible to all, steering clear of over-the-top extravagance.
- Personal flair: Stories from her Montecito life lend an intimate feel to the production.
These elements have helped the series resonate with viewers who see Meghan as an inspiring figure, reinventing herself after adversity.
A rebuilt life in Montecito
Since moving to Montecito in 2020, Meghan and Harry have created a haven for Archie and Lilibet away from royal scrutiny. Their $14 million California estate serves as the backdrop for “With Love, Meghan,” with its sprawling gardens and cozy interiors. Showing Lilibet running on the lawn or playing with Serena reflects Meghan’s intent to emphasize the simplicity and joy of this new chapter.
Her brand “As Ever,” launched in February, further expands this world. Initially dubbed “American Riviera Orchard,” it evolved into a more meaningful name. The logo, featuring a palm tree and hummingbird, nods to their Santa Barbara life and Harry’s memory of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, whom he linked to the bird after her 2022 passing.
At 43, Meghan is clearly committed to forging her own legacy in the lifestyle space while prioritizing her family. Her jabs at the royals, intentional or not, keep the speculation alive, but her ability to craft a distinct path—and share it with the world—is undeniable.
