Meghan Markle's Netflix series With Love, Meghan has received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lifestyle Program, a recognition that underscores her natural fit in the entertainment industry rather than within the British royal family.
A Talented Presenter, Not a Traditional Royal
The show, now in its second season, features Meghan welcoming guests into her home for cooking and crafting activities. While critics may dismiss it as light entertainment, the series has proven that the 44-year-old former actress possesses a genuine talent for television presenting. According to audience writer Brian Dillon, who reviewed the show, Meghan knows exactly how to switch on when cameras are rolling, a trait he describes as perhaps needed by a modern royal but not one that a modern royal leans into as much as Meghan does.
Dillon notes that Harry was nowhere to be seen on the show, and there is no mention of royal life. Meghan clearly tries to distance herself from her former life in the UK. However, her interviews leading up to the release of the second season saw her bring the Royal Family back into the narrative, a move that frustrated many who saw it as contradictory.
Emmy Nomination and Career Trajectory
The Emmy nomination places With Love, Meghan in competition with shows such as A Different Breed, George to the Rescue, The Motherhood, and The Wizard of Paws. This recognition is a significant achievement for Meghan, who has been building her brand in the United States since stepping back from royal duties.
Dillon argues that Meghan's success in TV proves one crucial thing: she was never meant to be royalty. Thriving in TV and lifestyle entertainment, Meghan is a Hollywood name requiring a drastically different personality than working members of the British Royal Family. He adds that the success is helped by her connection to the Royal Family, as she is one of the most headline-grabbing and talked-about figures in modern media.
Public Scrutiny and Personal Resilience
Despite facing criticism and slander, Meghan continues to remain public and promote various projects. Dillon, who admits to having no strong feelings towards Meghan, recognizes that she has a presence on the show that is hard to master. He understands that some Brits have disdain for the Duchess after her dramatic fallout with the Royal Family, but notes that after years of hiding from the spotlight, Meghan seems to have found her footing in entertainment and Hollywood.
Dillon suggests that some will argue Meghan's show is an attempt to capitalize on her connection to the royals, even after she very publicly stepped away and spoke negatively about the institution in an explosive Oprah interview. He concludes that Meghan was never suited to royal life, whether one praises her natural talent for presenting or criticizes her lack of the demeanour required of a successful royal, as displayed by Princess Kate.
A New Path Forward
Meghan's recent trip to Australia with Prince Harry further illustrated this divide, as the pair attracted negative press for pursuing a quasi-royal tour of the Commonwealth country. Dillon remarks that Meghan has found her lane and would be wise to stay in it, as her talents are better suited to the entertainment world than the strict guidelines and codes of conduct of the British monarchy.
