Meghan Markle’s Effort to Relate to Ordinary Parents
Meghan Markle recently spoke out about her life in California, where she’s working hard to maintain connections with everyday parents despite her high-profile status.
In a bid to show she’s just like other moms, the Duchess of Sussex revealed her friendships with “stay-at-home” moms and women with typical jobs.
Critics have often accused her of being “out of touch,” particularly after the release of her Netflix show, but Meghan insists that she and Prince Harry are simply trying to live as normal a life as possible.
Living in a massive $14.65 million Montecito mansion, Meghan says she and Harry are committed to ensuring their kids, Archie and Lilibet, have the same experiences as children in regular families.
“We’re just trying to have the same normalcy that other families have,” she told People magazine.
Everyday Moments and Connection
Meghan also shared how she stays active and engaged with the local community.
She attends group yoga and fitness classes with 40-50 people, often on her own or accompanied by friends.
She describes the experience as a great way to connect with others, even sharing lighthearted moments during class.
“Once you know us, I think you want us to have the same normalcy as parents and for our children,” she explained.
She recently had a chance encounter with a stranger during class and greeted them with a fist bump, calling out a cheerful “well done!” Meghan also participates in playdates for her children, regularly texting other parents to organize social gatherings.
She describes the community in Montecito as welcoming, making her feel more integrated.
Criticism of Meghan’s Netflix Show
Despite her efforts to portray a grounded lifestyle, Meghan’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, has faced significant backlash.
Many viewers and critics have labeled the show “tone deaf” and “out of touch,” particularly given her luxurious lifestyle.
However, Meghan expressed gratitude for the learning process behind launching the show and her As Ever brand.
“I appreciate everyone who gave me the grace to make mistakes and figure it out,” she said.
One Netflix star, Whitney Cummings, even suggested that the series felt like a direct jab at the royal family.
She described With Love, Meghan as a subtle way for Meghan to roast her in-laws, particularly with the focus on her tea-making and fashion choices.
“It’s just a big ‘f*** you’ to the royal family,” Cummings remarked in a video, claiming the show wasn’t made for the public but rather for those close to the royal circle.
Backlash from Other Celebrities
Meghan’s critics are not limited to Netflix stars.
Actress Justine Bateman also accused Meghan and Harry of turning their victim status into a “sport.” Bateman criticized their media appearances, such as their visit to the LA wildfires in January, labeling them as “disaster tourists” who were more focused on creating a photo op than truly helping.
She argued that the public has grown tired of the Sussexes’ narrative of victimhood.
Furthermore, comedian Katherine Ryan added her voice to the growing list of critics, calling Meghan’s public persona “very manicured” and “forced.
” Ryan, who had once been supportive of Meghan, also expressed doubts about the accuracy of some of Meghan’s stories, particularly regarding her past and her relationship with Prince Harry.
Future of Meghan and Harry’s Netflix Deal
The criticism surrounding Meghan’s Netflix show may have serious implications for the couple’s future with the streaming giant.
Multiple sources have suggested that Netflix will not be renewing the Sussexes’ $100 million contract.
However, some experts believe Netflix may still work with them on individual projects in the future, especially if Meghan and Harry’s marriage comes to an end.
Journalist Marina Hyde even speculated that other streaming platforms might be interested in collaborating with the couple to stay relevant in case they ever split.
“The reality is that a lot of people are hanging around in case there’s a divorce,” Hyde said, hinting that Meghan may have plans for a solo career, possibly following a path similar to that of Julia Roberts.
The Public’s Changing Perception
While Meghan continues to navigate public scrutiny, her relationship with the community in Montecito seems to be one bright spot in her otherwise tumultuous year.
Still, the ongoing criticism of her show and public image suggests that the journey to regain public trust may be a long one.
Whether or not her efforts to present herself as just another mom will resonate with her critics remains to be seen.