According to Richard Eden, the Royal editor at the Daily Mail, filming for Meghan Markle's new Netflix show is set to begin in a matter of hours. However, contrary to expectations, the filming won't take place at the Sussexes' Montecito mansion. Instead, Meghan will start filming her first solo series on Tuesday, April 16th, at a nearby property in the upscale California neighborhood.
A source revealed to the editor that Netflix has rented a house in Montecito for the filming of the series. This show is expected to align with Meghan's new lifestyle brand, American Rivier Orchard, which she launched on Instagram earlier this year and already has a substantial following of over 590,000 people. Trademark applications in the US indicate that Meghan plans to sell trendy cookware and fashionable food products, including fruit butters and spreads made with legumes under the AO brand, along with her own cookbooks.
This new series is one of two television projects that Meghan and Harry are producing for Netflix. It aims to celebrate the pleasures of cooking, gardening, entertainment, and friendship, according to statements from the streaming giant. Megan's representative declined to comment on why she chose to film the series in a different home.
Nevertheless, it is highly unlikely that space was an issue, as their Spanish Revival-style mansion, estimated to be worth £11 million, reportedly features nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, a gym, a bar, a five-car garage, and other amenities. Some critics argue that the decision to film in a different home suggests that the Sussexes don't actually own the $14 million mansion in Montecito and that they only reside in a rented cottage. These critics claim that the couple always films in a small room with IKEA furniture, and they believe that the mansion was merely a facade to create an image of wealth and success.
The speculation and criticism continue as fans debate the reasons behind this decision. Some suggest that the Sussexes sold the mansion because they couldn't afford the upkeep, while others believe that it was a deliberate choice to present a more ordinary and relatable image. Comparisons are drawn to other celebrities like Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, and Joanna Gaines, who film content in their own homes, showcasing their pets and children, which creates a sense of connection with viewers.
Interestingly, there is no visible evidence of children or toys in Megan's kitchen, even when Netflix is visiting. Some skeptics question the appeal of a new Netflix series with Meghan standing in a kitchen, promoting herself, as they believe it won't resonate with audiences. However, it's worth noting that the show is being produced by Sony Pictures Television and the Intellectual Property Corporation, the company behind popular shows like "Hulu the Demalo Show" and "A&E's Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath."
In addition to her involvement in the show, Meghan is set to be an executive producer for Archewell, the company she founded alongside Head of Non-Fiction, Chanel Sinic. The exact details and direction of Meghan's new series remain to be seen, but it is undoubtedly generating interest and speculation among fans and critics alike.
