Meghan Markle has concluded filming for her highly-anticipated cooking-at-home series, but the show’s release date remains uncertain pending approval from Netflix.
A trusted source revealed to the Daily Beast that production went smoothly and the episodes are now in post-production.
The Duchess of Sussex had previously shared her vision for the show, highlighting themes of culinary delights, gardening tips, hosting skills, and the importance of friendship.
However, rumors of discord behind the scenes have begun to circulate.
Reports suggest that a number of crew members have departed the project, with murmurs indicating that Meghan and Prince Harry’s specific requirements and royal airs may have contributed to the turnover.
According to Neil Sean, an industry insider, there has been a noticeable shift in dynamics on the set of Meghan’s cooking program for Netflix.
Despite their earlier stance on informality, the couple seems to be adopting a more regal approach.
Staff members have observed Prince Harry’s preference for being addressed as “Sir” unless otherwise instructed, while Meghan initially expects formal address before granting permission to use her first name.
Recent sightings of Meghan filming in a Beverly Hills park by a TikTok user sparked speculation about additional scenes being shot for the show.
However, insiders believe that the impromptu filming was unrelated to the cooking series, as the necessary footage had already been captured.
For Meghan, this project signifies an opportunity to establish herself as a household and lifestyle authority akin to industry stalwarts like Martha Stewart and Gwyneth Paltrow.
The cooking show holds particular significance for Meghan following a string of ventures that failed to gain traction or materialize fully.
One notable initiative was the 40×40 campaign launched on her 40th birthday in 2021, where Meghan invited 40 friends to provide mentorship sessions to individuals re-entering the workforce post-pandemic.
Despite initial enthusiasm, there have been no updates on the initiative’s progress or impact, prompting critics to question its effectiveness and sustainability.
Queries regarding the program’s status directed at Meghan’s spokesperson went unanswered.
The pattern of high-profile announcements with limited follow-through has become a recurring theme for Meghan and Harry since their departure from the royal family.
Their aspirations for a semi-private royal existence were met with resistance from the monarchy, resulting in a scaling back of their plans, including relinquishing their HRH titles and refraining from using the term “royal” in their branding.
The challenges posed by the global pandemic further impeded their endeavors, affecting the rollout of several planned projects.
Despite their partnership with Spotify yielding minimal content and lackluster interest, and the limited output from their collaboration with Netflix aside from a documentary on their lives, Meghan and Harry’s latest venture, American Riviera Orchard, has encountered obstacles.
Despite a strong online presence, products under the brand Rjam are yet to hit store shelves two months post-launch, leaving potential customers intrigued but unable to make purchases.
PR expert Mark Borkowski weighed in on Meghan’s business pursuits, underscoring the importance of translating her ventures into tangible revenue.
Borkowski emphasized the critical nature of the cooking show’s success given Meghan’s representation by a prominent talent agency.
He expressed optimism that a successful foray into the lifestyle genre could serve as a rejuvenation for Meghan’s public image, likening her potential role to that of a modern-day Martha Stewart or Oprah Winfrey.
However, he cautioned that repeated setbacks could necessitate a significant pivot in her career trajectory.
Regardless of the outcome, Meghan’s endeavors continue to captivate widespread attention.