In the glittering world of Hollywood royalty, where friendships are often as scripted as blockbuster movies, a bombshell revelation is shaking the foundations of Meghan Markle’s carefully curated image. As the second season of her Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, captivates audiences with its blend of cooking, crafting, and cozy conversations, an insider close to the production has come forward with a jaw-dropping claim: many of those smiling “friends” sharing laughs and recipes with the Duchess of Sussex aren’t real pals at all. They’re hired actors, paid to play the part, because, according to the source, Meghan doesn’t have a single genuine friend left in her life. “It’s all smoke and mirrors,” the insider whispers. “She’s built this facade of warmth and community, but behind the scenes, it’s loneliness central. Fine, she’s not royal anymore—but has she become too ‘difficult’ for anyone to stick around?”

Imagine tuning into With Love, Meghan Season 2, which dropped on Netflix just last week on August 19, 2025, and seeing the Duchess in her element: stirring pots in a sunlit California kitchen, arranging vibrant floral bouquets, and toasting cocktails with a group of glamorous guests. The show, filmed at a sprawling estate in Montecito (not her actual home, mind you, to preserve that elusive privacy), promises an intimate peek into Meghan’s post-royal life. Episodes brim with playful banter, heartfelt tips on everything from gardening to DIY crafts, and a soundtrack of upbeat tunes that scream “effortless elegance.” Guests like model Chrissy Teigen, Queer Eye’s Tan France, and renowned chefs such as José Andrés and Samin Nosrat pop in, adding star power to the mix. It’s all so inviting, so aspirational—like a modern-day Martha Stewart meets Oprah’s favorite things, with a dash of California cool.

But peel back the layers, and the picture isn’t so pretty. Our insider, who worked intimately on the production team, reveals that several of these on-screen interactions were meticulously staged with stand-ins and extras coached to act like lifelong buddies. “Meghan wanted the show to radiate friendship and joy,” the source explains. “But when it came time to book actual friends, the list was shockingly short. So, they turned to casting calls—discreet ones, of course. Actors were hired to fill the gaps, briefed on how to laugh at her jokes, share ‘personal’ anecdotes, and make it look authentic. It was like directing a rom-com, but instead of love, it was all about faking fellowship.” One episode, for instance, features a lively dinner party where Meghan bonds over homemade jams and artisanal breads. Those guests? Not her inner circle, but professionals from a local talent agency, paid handsomely to nod enthusiastically and chime in with compliments.

This revelation hits hard because With Love, Meghan was supposed to be Meghan’s triumphant return to the spotlight, a platform to showcase her independence after ditching the royal grind. The first season, which premiered in March 2025, drew mixed reviews—praised for its polished production but criticized for feeling a tad too perfect. Viewers clocked in at around 5 million for the debut, a solid start but far from blockbuster territory. Season 2 amps up the ante with holiday-themed episodes, celebrity cameos, and Meghan’s signature blend of vulnerability and vibe. She’s seen in casual chic outfits—think flowing maxi dresses and cozy knits—hosting what look like spontaneous gatherings. “Love is in the details,” she says in one trailer, beaming as she arranges a charcuterie board. But if the friends are phony, is the love real?

To understand how Meghan, once surrounded by A-listers at her fairy-tale wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, could end up allegedly resorting to hired help, we have to dive into her turbulent social history. Back then, her Windsor Castle nuptials were a who’s who of Hollywood: George and Amal Clooney rubbing elbows with Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and her Suits co-stars. It seemed like Meghan had it all—a network of powerful, loyal allies ready to champion her. Fast forward to today, and that circle has shrunk dramatically, riddled with rifts and ghostings.

Take Jessica Mulroney, once Meghan’s ride-or-die bestie. The Canadian stylist was by her side through thick and thin, from Suits fittings to royal tours. Jessica’s kids even served as page boys at the wedding. But in 2020, a public fallout over race-related comments Jessica made online led to a swift severance. Sources say Meghan distanced herself immediately, and Jessica’s cryptic social media posts—like one about “moving without the crowd”—hinted at deep hurt. Their friendship? Kaput. Then there’s Millie Mackintosh, a former pal from Meghan’s pre-royal days, who claimed Meghan gave her the cold shoulder once Harry entered the picture. “She just stopped replying,” Millie lamented in interviews, painting a picture of a woman who discards friends like last season’s fashion.

Even high-profile bonds have frayed. Victoria Beckham, once a close confidante who loaned Meghan outfits and hosted her in London, reportedly clashed over leaked stories and egos. The Beckhams, tight with the royals, sided with the palace during Megxit, leaving Meghan out in the cold. And what about Priyanka Chopra? The Bollywood star was a vocal supporter early on, but whispers suggest their friendship cooled amid scheduling conflicts and differing priorities. Prince Harry’s old polo buddies have been even harsher, reportedly appalled by the couple’s Netflix ventures, calling them “tacky” and distancing themselves entirely.

Insiders point to Meghan’s personality as the culprit. Described by some as “insanely smart and poised” but “very guarded,” she’s earned nicknames like “Duchess Difficult” and “Hurricane Meghan” from palace staff who quit in droves during her royal stint. One former aide claimed she berated employees over minor details, creating a toxic atmosphere. “She’s not the sort of person you can actually be friends with,” a TV insider once dished. “She’s best friends with her stylist.” This sharpness, combined with her “wokery” challenging guests at dinners, allegedly alienated Harry’s aristocratic circle. A brutal five-word verdict from his friends after meeting her: “She’s not for us.” Ouch.

Family ties are no better. Meghan’s estrangement from her father, Thomas Markle, and half-sister Samantha has been tabloid fodder for years. Public spats, leaked letters, and accusations of betrayal have left her isolated from her blood relatives. Even on Harry’s side, the royal rift—fueled by bombshell interviews, a tell-all memoir, and Netflix documentaries—has severed bonds with his brother William and father Charles. “Life is precious; there’s no point fighting anymore,” Harry said in a recent interview, hinting at reconciliation desires. But Meghan? She’s content in Montecito, sources say, focusing on her brand.

So why hire actors? The insider claims it’s a desperate bid to project the image of a beloved, connected icon. “Meghan’s narrative is all about empowerment and community,” they explain. “Admitting she has no friends would shatter that. The show needed warmth, so they manufactured it.” Critics argue this fakery undermines the series’ authenticity. Social media is ablaze: “Finally, a royal who’s real!” one fan gushed pre-revelation, now tempered by skepticism. “Her style makes me want to host my own party,” another said, but if the guests are paid, does it count?

This scandal couldn’t come at a worse time for Meghan’s Netflix empire. The $100 million deal, inked in 2020, has produced hits like the Harry & Meghan docuseries but flops like her podcast Archetypes. With Love, Meghan was meant to tie into her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, launching jams, wines, and home goods. A third season is rumored, but poor ratings—Season 1 hovered at 5.3 million views—could spell trouble. Experts call the renewed contract a “downgrade,” more “we’ll call you” than blank check. If viewers smell inauthenticity, it might be curtains.

Yet, Meghan soldiers on, resilient as ever. In Montecito with Harry and kids Archie and Lilibet, she’s building an empire on her terms. But this insider leak exposes cracks: Is the Duchess truly thriving, or just surviving in a bubble of hired harmony? As one royal watcher puts it, “She’s shed the palace rules, but at what cost? Friends aren’t accessories—you can’t buy loyalty.” In the end, With Love, Meghan might be more fiction than fact, a poignant reminder that even in Hollywood, true connections are the rarest luxury.

As the episodes stream on, one can’t help but wonder: Will Meghan address the rumors, or let the show go on? For now, the world watches, hooked on the drama that’s more gripping than any scripted scene. After all, in the game of thrones—or Netflix queues—authenticity is the ultimate crown.