In Defense of the Sussexes

The Sussexes—or more specifically, Meghan—are back.

As I stretch my fingers, preparing to argue against their seemingly endless number of haters, I find myself with an opportunity to contextualize and defend the Duchess' latest endeavor: her new cooking and lifestyle show on Netflix, With Love, Meghan.

Five years after their necessary and commendable departure from the royal family as senior working members, it’s clear to me that the Sussex’s are not only protecting their peace, but returning to their passions as well.

It’s no secret that British tabloids played an enormous role in their decision to step back from the royal family, but it’s incredibly important to remember how they got to that point. In his lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, Prince Harry submitted a witness statement stating that he felt "increasingly troubled by the approach of not taking action against the press in the wake of vicious persistent attacks on, harassment of and intrusive, sometimes racist articles concerning Meghan.” Many forget that the Sussexes originally sought to remain as working royals in a way that prioritized their mental health—but the palace rejected the proposal. Prince Harry speaks about this at length in their Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan (episode 5, 11 minutes, 41 seconds). In the same documentary, Prince Harry confessed he feared history was repeating itself, alluding to his mother, Princess Diana. “It all comes back to the same people, the same business model, the same industry.” He said to Oprah in their Apple TV+ show, The Me You Can’t See, "my mother was stalked to death while in a relationship with someone who was not white. And now look what happened.”

Few would dispute that Princess Diana—“the people’s princess”—spent her life as both a victim of the British press and the royal family itself. If we accept that premise, why isn’t it reason enough for her son and daughter-in-law to step away, protect their peace, and raise their family on their own terms?

Enter With Love, Meghan. The upscale, fully realized evolution of The Tig, the Duchess’ former lifestyle blog where she wrote about all things food, health and wellness. With Love, Meghan isn’t a new, or random endeavor for the duchess—this show has been years in the making.

The first episode is warm, bright, and fun. Meghan’s true personality shines through—free from the constraints of royal oversight. Sure, some of her jokes may be a little corny, but the recipes are accessible, and viewers may even pick up a new kitchen trick or two. Despite the kitchen’s display of quiet luxury (Meghan made the pointed decision not to film in her own home), the Duchess’ recipes feel accessible. In an era of homesteading and trad-wife content, if Nara Smith is at one (camp-y) end of the spectrum, Meghan Sussex is definitively at the other. I found myself craving crudité, fresh popcorn, and a citrus-y one-pot pasta by the end of the first episode, but more importantly, feeling capable enough to make it on my own.

With Love, Meghan is 100% home-making and living—Meghan in her element, doing what she loves. That’s where its strength lies. It may not be the Meghan some expected or wanted, but it feels authentic to her. Say what you will about her marriage, her royal status, or whatever the internet loves to nitpick—but you can’t deny her home-making chops.

Curious about what else Zainab is into? Get updates on shelf.im/zjaffa