MEGHAN Markle’s Netflix show making ladybird-shaped canapes with A-list stars in her £5m mansion is “accessible”, a pal has insisted.
The Duchess of Sussex has been slammed for her “out of touch” Netflix series With Love, Meghan, after the trailer showed her collecting honey from bees and hand-picking flowers for extravagant floral arrangements.
In Meg’s latest money-making venture, which airs on January 15, the ex-actress is joined by her celeb friends as she makes simple yet “elevated” food with ingredients from a fresh veg patch.
One pal who who will appear in a 33-minute episode is actress and comedian Mindy Kaling.
During the trailer, Mindy describes the day as “one of the most glamorous moments” of her life as she joined Meghan at Prince Harry and her’s sprawling Montecito pad.
But Mindy has since said all of the recipes are “accessible” – despite Meghan having a garden of home-grown ingredients and chickens she can grab fresh eggs from.
Mindy told Deadline: “I was just in my maternity leave and Meghan texted me and said, ‘Hey do you want to come be in my show and come to Montecito and have me cook for you?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah that sounds perfect, I would love to do that’.
“The thing about her recipes and being there was that it was just really accessible.
“She has a garden from scratch which I could never do, and chickens.”
It comes after royal expert Hugo Vickers told The Sun the new show will not resonate with Brits or Americans.
He said: “The sort of food that she’s producing is not going to appeal to a lot of people who can’t afford to buy that sort of thing.
“I mean a lot of people are suffering. This is a time of hardship generally and I’m sure in America likewise.
“And so I don’t really quite know what we’re going to make of a star in a white dress, and not even wearing an apron, putting together all this stuff.
“And to what end? I don’t know. Really.”
During the recently-dropped trailer, a montage of various clips showed Meghan walking through vegetable patches and fields.
She was also filmed browsing through florists hand selecting beautiful flowers for table arrangements, showing off her creative side.
The Duchess even tried her hand at beekeeping, fully suited up, as she collected honey.
But eagle-eyed viewers have already pointed out a number of uncanny similarities to old recipes and shows following the trailer’s release.
Many online believed that the style of the Netflix release was far too similar to others in what has been branded a “copycat” move.
And Meghan’s beekeeping was noted for also being one of Princess Kate’s favourite hobbies.
The Princess of Wales was snapped tending to her own beehive at Anmer Hall in Norfolk in May 2023 to mark World Bee Day, and is known for producing her own honey.
Queen Camilla also keeps bees at her retreat in Wiltshire and is actively involved in the charity Bees For Development, which works to protect bee habitats worldwide.
In the new trailer, Meghan shared: “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.
“I’m going to share some little tips and tricks. I see what colour I gravitate to, and everything goes from there. And how you incorporate these practices every day.
“This is about connecting with friends.. I love that we’re doing this together for the first time. Making new friends.. and just learning.
“We’re not in the pursuit of perfection. We’re in the pursuit of joy. I have to get it totally wrong, to get it totally right.”
The trailer showcased many “candid” moments, from Meghan accidentally squeezing some lemon juice in her eye, to knocking freshly baked goodies off a plate.
Prince Harry featured at the end of the video, embracing his wife in a warm hug.
The pair laughed as they sipped some mimosas.
The show description reads: “This inspiring series, produced by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-to’s and candid conversation with friends, new and old.
“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.
“Guests include Roy Choi, Mindy Kaling, Alice Waters, with additional acclaimed chefs and special friends.”
The series is reportedly being made to complement her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard.
