Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been making headlines once again, this time with her foray into the world of jam-making and a new cooking show on Netflix. While these ventures might seem like an attempt to connect with a broader audience and showcase her talents, royal experts have not been shy in voicing their criticisms. At 43 years old, Meghan has stepped away from the royal spotlight and charity work, focusing instead on projects that some deem “vacuous.” But is this a shift towards finding personal fulfillment or simply a strategic move to rebrand her image?

A New Chapter Post-Royal Life

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decided to step back from their royal duties in 2020, it was a move that shook the British monarchy to its core. The couple sought to carve out a new life for themselves in the United States, free from the constraints of royal protocol. Since then, Meghan has been actively involved in a variety of projects, including her work as a producer with Netflix, a podcast host, and most recently, venturing into the culinary world with her jam-making business.

In 2023, Meghan announced the launch of her line of organic jams, which she claims are made with “the freshest ingredients” and inspired by her California roots. Alongside this, she has taken to Netflix with a cooking show that further extends her public persona into new territories. Her fans have expressed excitement about these new ventures, with many applauding her entrepreneurial spirit. Yet, critics have raised their eyebrows, questioning the depth and substance of these projects in light of her past charitable work and royal responsibilities.

The Jam-Making Business: A “Vacuous” Move?

While Meghan’s jam-making business may appear as a quaint and personal hobby turned commercial enterprise, critics argue that it is emblematic of a broader trend in Meghan’s post-royal life—one that prioritizes superficial endeavors over more substantial causes. “Meghan’s focus on things like making jam and appearing in cooking shows suggests that she’s more interested in personal brand-building than genuinely giving back to society,” says a royal expert, who wishes to remain anonymous.

These concerns have been fueled by the fact that Meghan, in her royal days, was deeply involved in numerous charitable initiatives, such as advocating for gender equality, women’s empowerment, and mental health awareness. However, after stepping down from royal duties, she has largely focused on ventures that seem disconnected from the causes that once defined her public persona.

To many, her jam-making business may appear as a mere distraction or a hobby that lacks the weight of her previous endeavors. Critics point out that, while the business is no doubt a commercial success, it doesn’t carry the same gravitas as her charity work or advocacy. Some even argue that, by trading in royal duties for projects like this, Meghan risks diluting her influence and tarnishing her legacy.

A Taste of Hollywood: Netflix Cooking Show

Alongside her business, Meghan has also embraced the world of television with her Netflix cooking show. While the details of the series remain largely under wraps, the Duchess is expected to showcase her culinary skills and perhaps provide a glimpse into her life as a mother and entrepreneur. The series is part of her broader media and production deal with Netflix, which has already produced a number of high-profile projects, including the documentary series “Harry & Meghan.”

While the show has yet to be released, early previews have sparked curiosity. Meghan’s fans are eager to see her in a new light, far removed from the royal image that once defined her. However, some royal experts view this as yet another attempt by Meghan to capitalize on her celebrity status and make a name for herself outside of the royal family. “It’s as if she’s trying to sell a lifestyle—one that includes luxury living, celebrity status, and superficial projects, rather than focusing on meaningful work,” says a royal insider.

The Criticism: Does Meghan’s New Path Matter?

The criticism directed at Meghan Markle is not just about her new business ventures or her Netflix cooking show. It’s about a perceived shift in her values after stepping away from the royal family. For years, the Duchess was seen as an advocate for change, using her platform to highlight important social issues. Now, however, some feel that she is becoming increasingly disconnected from the causes that initially made her such a compelling figure in the public eye.

Royal experts have been particularly vocal about the fact that, after leaving the royal family, Meghan has distanced herself from charity work and other public responsibilities. Instead, she has embraced a life of luxury, media appearances, and private business ventures. This has led to questions about her true intentions and whether her public persona is evolving for the better—or for the worse.

Meghan has faced criticism in the past for not living up to her role as a senior member of the royal family, but the current backlash appears to be focused on the perception that her new projects lack substance. As one royal expert put it, “It seems as though she’s forgotten about the things that matter, like charity work and using her platform for good.”

The Future of Meghan Markle

Despite the backlash, Meghan’s future seems poised for continued success. Her business ventures, including her jam-making line and Netflix show, are gaining attention, and she remains a prominent figure in both the media and charitable circles—albeit with a focus that many feel is less socially impactful than before.

Whether or not Meghan’s current path will have a lasting impact on her legacy remains to be seen. Will she return to advocacy and charity work, or is this new chapter a permanent departure from her previous endeavors? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, her critics will continue to raise questions, while her supporters will remain loyal, excited for whatever comes next. One thing is certain: Meghan Markle will continue to captivate the public’s attention, regardless of the projects she pursues.

Conclusion

Meghan Markle’s jam-making business and Netflix cooking show have certainly garnered their share of attention. Whether these projects are seen as a positive new chapter in her life or as vacuous distractions from her royal responsibilities depends on who you ask. But what is clear is that Meghan Markle’s journey after stepping away from royal life is far from ordinary, and it will undoubtedly continue to spark debate for years to come.