FANS have accused Meghan Markle of copying recipes and Princess Kate’s beekeeping in her new Netflix show.
The Duchess of Sussex gave fans an insight into With Love, Meghan, which airs on January 15, in a new trailer yesterday.
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Meghan beekeeping her new showCredit: Instagram
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Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, tends to a beehive at Anmer Hall in NorfolkCredit: Reuters
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‘Emma’s Kitchen’ is hosted by Emma Thynn, Marchioness of BathCredit: Emma Thynn
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Some viewers have compared scenes from Meghan’s trailer to those in the YouTube cooking showCredit: Netflix
A montage of various clips in the nearly two minute video showed Meghan walking through vegetable patches and fields.
She was also filmed browsing florists and hand selecting beautiful flowers for table arrangements, showing off her creative side.
The Duchess even tried her hand at beekeeping, fully suited up, as she collected honey.
But eagle-eyed viewers have already pointed out a number of uncanny similarities to old recipes and shows following the trailer’s release.
Many online believed that the style of the Netflix release was far too similar to others in what has been branded a “copycat” move.
And Meghan’s beekeeping was noted for also being one of Princess Kate’s favourite hobbies.
The Princess of Wales was snapped tending to her own beehive at Anmer Hall in Norfolk in May 2023 to mark World Bee Day, and is known for producing her own honey.
Queen Camilla also keeps bees at her retreat in Wiltshire and is actively involved in the charity Bees For Development, which works to protect bee habitats worldwide.
One viewer tweeted: “If anyone wanted to read between the lines, this is yet another opportunity for Netflix, Reed Hastings and Markle to continue trolling the British monarchy, since all Meghan is trying to do is to imitate an English lifestyle, dressing and keeping bees like Catherine.”
Another wrote: “And you know who keeps bees? Princess Catherine at her home in Amner Hall.
“It’s one of her passions. Meghan has never had an original idea ever.”
But that’s not the only thing raising eyebrows.
Some fans are even drawing comparisons between Meghan’s show and Emma’s Kitchen, a YouTube series hosted by Celebrity MasterChef star Emma Weymouth, Marchioness of Bath.
Emma – formally known as Emma Thynn – launched her cooking brand back in 2015.
The Marchioness often films her dishes in the kitchens of Longleat House and some viewers say the set-up in Meghan’s trailer looks suspiciously similar.
One viewer wrote: “Why is Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex trying to channel Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath?
“TBH, Emma seems more natural while Meghan often seems like she’s acting from a script. I think Meghan should focus strictly on charity work.”
Another tweeted similar still images from each show side by side, writing: “Emma Weymouth, Marchioness of Bath, has had a cooking programme at Longleat estate for nine years!”
A third added: “This woman has no original idea! This is a copy of Emma’s Kitchen!”
During the trailer, one dish also caught the attention of sharp viewers.
Meghan was seen preparing a “Ladybug” appetiser — a dish that’s been circulating online for years.
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Meghan’s new trailer drew comparisons to other existing shows
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Ladybug Caprese Bruschetta’ – The US lifestyle magazine First For Women also published a similar recipe in 2018Credit: First for Women
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Meghan’s ‘Ladybug Caprese Bruschetta’Credit: Netflix
Food blogs and Pinterest pages have featured the same recipe since 2015, and it also appeared in First For Women magazine in 2018.
In 2023, even TikTok’s Home Cooks World posted a recipe for it which includes a baguette, pesto, mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, sesame seeds, and olive oil.
Meghan, speaking about the release of the show, said: “I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it.
“Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun!”
A promotional synopsis of the show says: “This inspiring series, produced by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-tos and candid conversation with friends, new and old.
“Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected.
“She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, and invite you to do the same.”
Actresses Mindy Kaling and former Suits star Abigail Spencer, plus chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters are among the guests who appear on the 33-minute shows.
Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Productions helped to make the series and she also gets a credit as one of its executive producers.
The couple have an £80million five-year deal with Netflix which they signed in 2020.
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The Duchess smiled as she collected honeyCredit: Instagram
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The actress with fellow Suits star Abigail Spencer, who played Dana ScottCredit: Instagram
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There will be eight 33 minute episodesCredit: Instagram
