Dame Pru Leaf, the celebrated food critic and restaurant owner, has expressed her scathing assessment of Meghan Markle’s new cooking show on Netflix.

She described the show as style over substance and refused to waste viewers’ time on something so manufactured.

The 85-year-old culinary icon, known for her straightforward critiques and nononsense approach to judging, made these comments during a private lunchon with fellow food industry professionals in London.

Megan’s show, which reportedly secured a substantial deal with Netflix, has been promoted as an intimate look at her love of food and entertaining at her Monteceto home. Critics have been divided, with American reviews generally more favorable than British ones.

Some media analysts suggest this represents a broader transatlantic divide in perceptions of the Duchess and her post-royal career choices.

Dame Pru reportedly explained that genuine technique, useful tips viewers can apply, and the authentic personality of someone who lives and breathes their craft do not constitute cooking content. Megan’s defenders suggest there’s room for different approaches to food programming and accuse critics of applying double standards culturally.

TV executives are reportedly watching this situation with interest, as her criticism might influence how future food programming is developed and who gets chosen to host such shows. Dame Pru continues her work on The Great British Bake Off, where her technical challenges and forthright judging remain highlights for millions of viewers at 85.

In the world of culinary television, Dame Pru remains a formidable gatekeeper with little patience for what she perceives as style without substance. A showstopping presentation can never compensate for a lack of proper technique, whether in a Victoria sponge or television production.