Even royals can learn a thing or two in the kitchen. Clare Smyth, the British Michelin-starred chef behind Core in Notting Hill, London, is singing the praises of the Duchess of Sussex’s cooking skills.
Known for catering Meghan and Harry’s private wedding reception, Smyth says Meghan is “actually really good at cooking” and even impressed her with her ability to fillet a fish.
From Royal Wedding to Netflix Kitchen
Smyth, who became the first British woman to earn three Michelin stars while running Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant on Royal Hospital Road, first met Meghan in 2018 when she cooked for 200 guests at Frogmore House.
The duchess personally invited her to appear on her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, leading Smyth to fly to California last year to film an episode teaching Meghan to make poached halibut.
A Show Focused on Lifestyle and Discovery
The Netflix show, which films in a rented house near Meghan and Harry’s Montecito mansion for privacy, returns for its second season on August 26.
Guests for season two include Chrissy Teigen and Jamie Kern Lima.
In a recent teaser, Meghan can be seen preparing snacks, eating cheese, and even revealing Prince Harry’s dislikes—like lobster—while sharing her love for “moments of discovery and beauty.”
Critical Reception Remains Mixed
Despite the glamour, the show hasn’t set Netflix ratings on fire.
Season one didn’t make the platform’s top 300 programs for the first half of 2025, reportedly lagging behind shows like Suits.
Critics have described the series as “sensationally absurd and trite,” calling Meghan “tone-deaf” and the show’s vibe “vacuous joylessness.”
On IMDb, it holds a 3.2/10 rating, and Rotten Tomatoes gives it 38%, marking it as “rotten.”
Memorable Moments and Controversies
Some episodes sparked controversy over seemingly small actions, like Meghan putting store-bought pretzels into a plastic bag or correcting a guest for calling her “Markle” instead of “Sussex.”
One viewer even threatened legal action after claiming a homemade bath salts recipe caused burns. Despite the criticisms, the duchess continues to explore lifestyle topics, from cooking and gardening to hosting tips.
Netflix Deal and Future Plans
The Sussexes recently signed a new multi-year “first look” deal with Netflix, reportedly less lucrative than their original $100 million five-year contract.
While some insiders call the new deal a “downgrade,” the couple remains committed to producing film and television projects for the streaming platform.
