08-04-2025
Inside Meghan's Real Kitchen (Not the One on Her Show) Is a Real Cook
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is already anticipating pushback on her banana pudding. 'I know some people will be upset that I took out the wafers,' she said, crushing Nilla wafers with a rolling pin rather than layering them in with vanilla pudding and sliced bananas. 'But I like them crumbled on top.'
On a bright morning last week at her home in Montecito, California, Meghan moved between the garden, where Prince Harry stopped by the strawberry patch in Birkenstocks to mention he was getting on a work call, and the spacious kitchen where her mother, Doria Ragland — graceful in jeans, a white T-shirt, and a silver nose ring — rummaged for breakfast in the double-wide refrigerator.
'Grandma Jeanette would have used instant,' Meghan said, referring to Ragland's mother, as they tasted a batch of homemade pudding flecked with vanilla. 'But she would have loved this.'
In a new Netflix series, 'With Love, Meghan,' the duchess offered the world a glimpse into her life, from broken royal bride to a triumphant domestic goddess. She and Harry fled Britain and its persistent criticism in 2020, settling as a family in this safe, sunny enclave. However, the show has brought some of that darkness back to her door.
Much like Gwyneth Paltrow and Chrissy Teigen, Meghan lacks professional culinary training. Last week's visit — the first time a reporter was invited into her kitchen — displayed her passion for cooking, as she skillfully handled a vinaigrette, zested lemons, and manoeuvred with a knife. (She requested that no photographs be taken inside the house, for privacy and security reasons.)
At 43, with boundless enthusiasm, she is still discovering her public identity while presenting it to a global audience. Her decision to embark on this path reads to some as entrepreneurial or endearing, while others may find it narcissistic, but it cannot be denied that it is a bold move.
Wednesday morning saw the launch of sales for As Ever, Meghan's line of food products priced between £12 and £15, including baking mixes, honeys, and internet-famous jams — which, to her dismay, are labelled 'fruit spreads' due to FDA regulations. They all sold out within an hour, a spokesperson confirmed.
Last week, Meghan made headlines by announcing her new podcast series titled 'Confessions of a Female Founder.' Additionally, she launched a ShopMy channel, allowing fans to purchase clothing and products featured onscreen, from hairstyles to footwear. A popular item is Lottabody's Control Me Edge Gel used for her hair, while her nails frequently showcase CND Shellac.
The podcast, 'With Love, Meghan,' captures her engaging in idyllic activities like cooking, crafting, and organising tea parties. However, her lifestyle focus on truffle popcorn and balloon arches has drawn controversy. Critics feel entitled to evaluate Meghan not only as a royal but also in her roles as a wife, mother, and hostess. Many have described her approach as overly sweet, artificial, and uninspiring, drawing comparisons to influencers like Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm, who promote traditional women's roles perceived as less appealing in contemporary society.
Episodes of her show typically depict a dynamic where Meghan often takes on a student's role, learning from renowned chefs such as Alice Waters and Roy Choi. In other segments, she adopts a teaching stance, sharing recipes and hosting tips with friends expected to react enthusiastically, regardless of the food she presents.
Moreover, social media criticism has targeted her choice of cookware, specifically her high-end Le Creuset pots. Some argue they are out of reach for many Black women and seem extravagant. In a surprising turn, Black women have begun sharing their own Le Creuset collections online, asserting their ownership of the brand. Journalist Michele Norris defended Meghan's choices, questioning why she is scrutinised for her cookware while other culinary figures are not.
Norris points out the absurdity of criticising Meghan for not using her 'real' kitchen, asserting that all sets are inherently performative. She believes Meghan offers an authentic glimpse of herself within a curated environment. Chef Carla Hall echoed this sentiment, noting the challenging dynamic public expectation creates for anyone in the spotlight.
Despite the scrutiny, Meghan's recent ventures could have financial motivations. The production deal she signed with Netflix in 2020 is nearing its conclusion, following recent projects that struggled to gain traction. Regardless, Netflix continues to invest in her; a second season of her show has already been filmed, and they are backing her As Ever brand.
Interestingly, data from Netflix reflects a substantial following for Meghan, with her show ranking in the top 10 in 24 countries and amassing 2.6 million views shortly after its premiere. Additionally, many items from her ShopMy channel rapidly sold out. Since the beginning of the year, she has gained 2.7 million followers on her new Instagram account.
On a personal level, Meghan expressed her need to stay busy, stating that she has always worked since age 13 and finds fulfillment in balancing her home life and career, especially as a mother to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Reflecting on her upbringing in Los Angeles, Meghan recalls how her mother, Doria Ragland, worked long hours and had limited time for cooking. Despite this, her mother inherited a rich culinary heritage, with Meghan's grandmother using a cast-iron skillet to prepare traditional meals.
Meghan's attention to detail, honed through various skills such as calligraphy and gift-wrapping, helps her stand out in the food influencer realm. Her eye for presentation, care in the kitchen, and genuine enthusiasm contribute to her culinary approach. As she prepared Chantilly cream for a dessert called Chantilly Lili, named after her young daughter, conversations with her mother revealed a playful dynamic that showcased the connection between tradition and modernity in their culinary journey, reflecting Meghan's desire for her grandmother's cast-iron skillet. —NYT
