Netflix cooking show crew member reveals how Meghan Markle really treated them behind the scenes following past 'bullying' row
The crew described the duchess as a 'great hostess'
Meghan Markle’s Netflix cooking show With Love, Meghan has sparked plenty of conversation since its debut last week.
But behind the scenes, the Duchess of Sussex, 43, reportedly went out of her way to treat the crew with kindness and generosity.
A crew member from the show has spoken out about Meghan’s work ethic, hospitality and the way she cared for those on set – providing a stark contrast to past allegations of bullying.
Crew member calls Meghan Markle a ‘great hostess’ after Netflix cooking show
An anonymous crew member recently revealed to PEOPLE that Meghan ensured a positive atmosphere throughout filming by frequently providing treats and surprises for the team.
“Whether it was a coffee cart in the morning or there was one day where the forecast called for it to be particularly hot, and she had a shaved ice truck for us at lunch,” he revealed. “One day, she had a bespoke ice cream cart with local homemade ice cream. She had an acai truck for us, too. Every week, she did something like that for us. It was really lovely.”
According to the crew member, Meghan also took a personal interest in her team members. She would ask about their personal lives, cocktail preferences and chat with them between takes.
“She was a great hostess,” the crew member gushed. “Between takes, if something was ready to eat, she’d cut it into bite-sized pieces and serve it to us.”
The positive atmosphere reportedly made filming a “unique and refreshing experience,” where everyone felt included and appreciated.
Meghan’s kind gestures didn’t end when the cameras stopped rolling.
To show appreciation for the team, she gifted each crew member a premium Our Place pan – which retails for over $100 – along with a monogrammed spoon inscribed with ‘Thank you, crew’.
Prince Harry on set of Meghan’s cooking show with Archie and Lilibet
Elsewhere, the crew member also detailed insights into Prince Harry’s time on set with Meghan as well as their two children Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.
The crew member said: “Whenever Harry visited set, he was always super polite and friendly. But it was clear he wanted this to be Meghan’s moment to shine.”
Speaking about Archie and Lilibet, the crew member added that Meghan was “super attentive and doting on them” and the team would give the youngsters “headphones so they could listen to audio”.
Netflix renews With Love, Meghan for a second season after poor reviews
Despite mixed reviews from critics and audiences, Netflix has already renewed With Love, Meghan for a second season.
Shortly after the March 4 premiere, Meghan confirmed the news on Instagram.
“If you’re loving season 1, just wait until you see the fun we cooked up on Season 2!” Meghan wrote. “Thanks for joining the party, and an endless thanks to the amazing team and crew who helped bring it all to life!”
Netflix’s decision to renew the series suggests that, despite criticism, the show has drawn enough interest to warrant another season. This is a big win for Meghan as she continues to make her name in the lifestyle space.
Alongside her Netflix venture, Meghan has also been working on her new lifestyle brand, As Ever.
The first products teased include pancake mix, raspberry spread and limited-edition wildflower honey.
While these items are not yet available for sale, the brand aims to reflect Meghan’s passion for cooking and home entertaining, which is at the core of her Netflix series.
Meghan Markle ‘bullying’ allegations
Meghan has faced persistent allegations of being difficult to work with, including claims of bullying staff during her time as a royal.
Back in 2018, Jason Knauf, Harry and Meghan Markle’s former press secretary, made a complaint about the duchess’ behaviour, alleging there were claims of bullying.
He claimed that Meghan’s behaviour had made two palace aides quit, and “undermined” the confidence of a third.
Family revelations Meghan Markle gave in Netflix cooking show With Love, Meghan
From their busy morning routine to some sweet hobbies, the Duchess of Sussex opened the doors on her Montecito life in California.
Meghan Markle shares 'busy' morning routine in Netflix cooking show
In one episode, Meghan said: "I wake up every morning and take a lot of pride in making breakfast for my family. Mornings are fast. Gotta get the kids to school."
Meg also enjoys cooking brekkie for her family!
She gushed: "I find when I’m cooking bacon, my kitchen very immediately becomes full of my husband and three dogs. H makes a really great breakfast."
What Archie and Lilibet are like in Meghan Markle's words
Archie loves fishing! Meghan shared that during a recent family vacation, he caught two trout – which they later cooked for dinner.
"They loved it," Meghan gushed. "It was very sweet."
Meanwhile, little Lilibet likes to help Meghan out making jam. The duchess said: "Lili and I made [a preserves] batch together. [She said] 'No, mama I’ll do it. I’ll stir it, I’ll mash it.' She’s proud. That part felt good!"
Ingredient Prince Harry loves to add to his food
Elsewhere in the Netflix cooking show, Meghan revealed what her hubby Prince Harry likes to add to every meal.
She said: "I have a husband who no matter what meal is put in front of him, before he tastes it, always puts salt on it. So, I try to undersalt."
The allegations prompted Buckingham Palace to launch an investigation. The findings remained private. Meghan has always denied any accusations of bullying behaviour.
With Season 2 of Meghan’s Netflix show now confirmed, her next challenge will be overcoming the initial criticism and proving her cooking and lifestyle brand can resonate with audiences.
For now, she appears to have won over the people behind the scenes – which, as many in the industry know, is no small feat.
So, what do you think of Meghan’s Netflix show? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial.
