In a surprising turn of events that has left culinary experts shaking their heads, Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, has stirred up more than just appetites.

The show, which aims to highlight the Duchess of Sussex’s cooking abilities, has instead drawn sharp criticism for what many are calling dangerously poor knife skills.

The trailer, released last week, was supposed to showcase Markle’s culinary flair but has instead sent professionals scrambling for cover.

The footage depicts Markle wielding kitchen knives with a level of confidence reminiscent of royalty, yet her technique suggests she might be a stranger to the kitchen.

Former royal chef Marcus Brighton, who has spent over two decades in various royal households, expressed his disbelief at her knife handling.

“In all my years training junior chefs, I’ve never seen anything quite like this,” he lamented, noting that even his first-year apprentices know better than to grip a knife so carelessly.

A particularly alarming moment in the trailer shows Markle attempting to chop vegetables, her grip appearing unstable and her fingers uncomfortably close to the blade.

Brighton emphasized that this isn’t just about the final dish but also about safety and respect for the culinary arts.

“This is Basic Culinary Arts 101,” he asserted, highlighting the need for proper technique, especially when demonstrating cooking on a public platform.

Social media erupted with reactions from both professional chefs and home cooks, with one celebrity chef, Gordon Thompson, tweeting, “I’ve seen better knife skills in a kindergarten cooking class.” His comment quickly went viral, accumulating over 100,000 likes.

This incident has ignited a broader debate about authenticity in celebrity cooking shows, with critics arguing that Markle’s venture feels more like a royal publicity stunt than a genuine culinary exploration.

Markle recently claimed in an interview with Cooking Weekly that cooking was second nature to her, but the trailer seems to tell a different story.

Culinary educator Patricia Wells pointed out the discrepancy, stating, “It’s one thing to be an enthusiastic home cook; it’s another to present yourself as an authority when you can’t handle basic kitchen tools.”

As the controversy unfolded, industry insiders highlighted that this issue extends beyond just poor knife skills—it’s about credibility.

Renowned cooking instructor James Mitchell noted that aspiring culinary authorities must master the basics before teaching others.

He argued that while perfection isn’t the goal, a fundamental respect for the craft is essential.

Sarah Henderson, the series producer, attempted to defend the show by stating its focus on the joy of cooking rather than technical precision.

However, many professional chefs countered that safety and proper technique should always be prioritized, regardless of the show’s intended vibe.

The backlash intensified with the resurfacing of older footage from Markle’s lifestyle blog, The Tick, which showcased similar kitchen mishaps, leading critics to accuse her of favoring style over substance.

Royal watchers have been quick to compare Markle’s culinary efforts with those of other royals, such as the late Queen and the Princess of Wales, both of whom have demonstrated genuine cooking skills.

Royal correspondent Thomas Sheffield remarked, “There’s a difference between authentic involvement and performative cooking for the cameras.”

Amid the uproar, some have called for Netflix to include disclaimers regarding safety before certain episodes, emphasizing that with great visibility comes great responsibility.

Consumer safety advocate Linda Morrison argued that when someone with such a vast platform showcases potentially dangerous techniques, it is crucial to protect the audience.

As the series gears up for its full release, culinary professionals are left wondering what other blunders might come to light.

Chef Brighton concluded, “It’s not about being mean-spirited; it’s about maintaining standards in an industry we’ve dedicated our lives to mastering.” Whether this culinary faux pas will impact the show’s success remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: in the unforgiving realm of professional cooking, even a duchess cannot escape the sharp critiques of those who take their craft seriously.

In a world where culinary skills are often glamorized, Markle’s missteps have sparked a conversation about the authenticity and integrity of celebrity chefs.

As one Twitter user aptly put it, “You can’t slice your way into credibility with a dull technique.” The fallout from this kitchen disaster may serve as a reminder that true culinary expertise requires more than just a royal title.