Watch: Duchess of Sussex embraces ‘pursuit of joy’ in new Netflix cookery show
Whether sprinkling edible flowers on doughnuts or drizzling olive oil over a plate of fish, the Duchess of Sussex promises to “create wonder in every moment”.
And as she turns Hollywood housewife for her new lifestyle show, she declares: “We’re not in the pursuit of perfection – we’re in the pursuit of joy.”
The new eight-part cookery series, called With Love, Meghan, will be released by Netflix on Jan 15 and represents her first solo venture for the streaming giant.
A one minute 40 second trailer offers viewers a glimpse of what they can expect, with the giggling Duchess “embracing playfulness over perfection”.
She is filmed rustling up a variety of dishes in the kitchen while entertaining friends such as Daniel Martin, her long-time make-up artist, and Abigail Spencer, her Suits co-star. Prince Harry also makes a fleeting appearance.
Credit: Netflix
The Duchess chops vegetables, makes hummus, serves drinks and collects honey from a beehive, all to the soundtrack of The Lovin’ Spoonful’s Do You Believe in Magic.
She promises to share “little tips and tricks” that will add sparkle to the otherwise mundane, explaining: “I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it, surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.”
Among the professionals roped in to join the fun is Roy Choi, a Korean-American chef, who informs Meghan: “We’re family now”, and Alice Waters, the farm-to-table pioneer.
Other guests include The Office writer Mindy Kaling who, on being served a slice of Victoria Sponge cake, gushes: “What! This is probably one of the most glamorous moments of my life.”
Delfina Blaquier, the wife of polo star Nacho Figueras, who featured heavily in the Sussexes’ most recent Netflix offering about the sport – which failed to capture the public imagination – is set to be in the show.
Tracy Robbins, the wife of the Paramount chief executive Brian Robbins, Jennifer Rudolph Wash, a veteran literary agent, and Kelly McKee Zajfen, the co-founder of Alliance of Moms, also appear.
Netflix declared that the series would “reimagine the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-tos and candid conversation with friends new and old”.
It is expected to accompany the launch of the Duchess’s new commercial venture, American Riviera Orchard, which will promote a domestic idyll through the sale of everything from jams, cutlery and nut butters to place mats and cookbooks.
The eight 33-minute episodes were produced by the Sussexes’ Archewell Productions company, with the Duchess listed as an executive producer.
She shared the trailer on her Instagram profile, writing: “I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun! As ever, Meghan.”
Credit: Netflix
Netflix said: “Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection, and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected. She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, and invite you to do the same.”
The Duchess has been working on her relaunch for the best part of two years.
American Riviera Orchard, previously billed as a lifestyle and wellness brand, had been heavily trailed for autumn 2023 but was delayed as it evolved and “took different shapes”.
The release of the show follows claims that the Duchess was planning to “take on America’s most famous lifestyle queens” such as Ina Garten, Martha Stewart and Joanna Gaines. The venture is considered “highly personal and “genuine to who she is”.
In 2017, Meghan was forced to shut down The Tig, the successful lifestyle blog that she ran before meeting Prince Harry. She described the blog as “a hub for the discerning palate – those with a hunger for food, travel, fashion & beauty”.
Watch the full trailer below:
