The entertainment scene is abuzz, but not in the way Meghan Markle might have envisioned.
Her latest project, “With Love, Meghan,” which debuted on January 15, 2025, is already embroiled in controversy—not merely due to its polished production or curated content.
Critics and royal watchers have noted striking similarities between Markle’s lifestyle series and Pippa Middleton’s celebrated 2012 book, “Celebrate.”
As the sun sets over Markle’s luxurious Montecito home, one can’t help but ponder whether her brief stint as a royal was spent taking notes on how to navigate the lifestyle genre, especially from Pippa’s successful foray into this arena.
The parallels are glaring and have sparked discussions on both sides of the Atlantic.
Royal commentator Victoria Hartford remarked, “It feels like a Hollywood remake of an original British classic.
Pippa’s work was genuine, rooted in her family’s party planning legacy.
What does Meghan bring to the table, apart from her attendance at high-profile events?”
In Pippa’s book, readers found heartfelt advice grounded in years of real-life experience.
In contrast, critics argue that Markle’s show offers a California-tinted take on similar themes.
Both projects stress the significance of personal touches when hosting gatherings, yet Pippa’s insights were practical and budget-friendly, while Markle’s suggestions lean towards extravagant—think $400 place settings and exotic flowers that are hard to source.
Media analyst James Richardson pointed out the poetic irony: Pippa penned her book amidst newfound fame as Catherine’s sister, while Meghan’s venture comes after she distanced herself from the very family that catapulted her into the limelight.
Yet here she is, seemingly drawing inspiration from that same world.
The timing of Markle’s show has raised eyebrows, especially as the royal family faces various challenges, including health issues and public engagements.
Many perceive the launch of a series that appears to borrow heavily from Pippa’s previous work as somewhat opportunistic.
Social media has erupted with commentary, with one user quipping, “Pippa did it first, did it better, and without pretending to reinvent entertaining.”
Industry insiders speculate that Markle’s production team must have been aware of these similarities.
Content strategist Sarah Williams stated, “In this business, research is key.
They either knew and didn’t care, or they missed a bestseller that was everywhere.” Neither possibility reflects well on Markle’s team.
While the show boasts impressive production quality and stunning visuals, critics argue it lacks the authenticity that made Pippa’s book resonate with its audience.
The differences in approach between the two women are stark.
Pippa faced significant media scrutiny upon releasing her book but responded with typical British composure.
In contrast, Markle’s team has touted her show as groundbreaking, despite the evident parallels.
“It’s not just about who did it first,” Williams emphasizes.
“It’s about recognition and being genuine.”
As “With Love, Meghan” progresses, the comparisons to “Celebrate” are unlikely to fade.
Each new episode seems to provide fresh fodder for critics, highlighting seasonal celebration tips and party planning advice that bear uncanny resemblances to Pippa’s earlier work.
Beyond the similarities in content, the broader conversation about originality in lifestyle programming has been reignited.
While many shows share common themes, the specific overlaps between Markle and Middleton’s projects raise questions about authenticity and creative ownership.
Supporters of Markle argue that the lifestyle market can accommodate diverse takes on entertaining.
However, the criticism centers not on market capacity but rather on what some perceive as a pattern of behavior—repackaging existing ideas with a glamorous twist while neglecting their origins.
Cultural critic David Chen notes the contradiction in Markle’s desire to carve her own path while seemingly drawing from the work of her royal relatives.
As the series continues, royal enthusiasts, lifestyle creators, and casual viewers will undoubtedly keep scrutinizing the connections between these two projects.
For now, Markle’s show moves forward, each episode a reminder of its predecessor.
The debate surrounding originality and influence in the celebrity lifestyle realm continues, adding yet another chapter to Meghan Markle’s post-royal narrative.
In the fast-paced world of celebrity culture, where imitation often blurs the lines of originality, this latest controversy has captured public attention, pitting two prominent figures against each other in an unexpected showdown.