Meghan Markle has received widespread praise for postponing the release of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, in light of the devastating California wildfires. However, critics have contrasted this decision with the timing of her and Prince Harry’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired while Prince Philip was seriously ill.
The decision to delay her series has been lauded as thoughtful and sensitive given the ongoing tragedy affecting thousands of Americans. Yet, some royal commentators have questioned why similar consideration wasn’t shown during the Oprah interview.
Royal expert Richard Eden highlighted the criticism in the Daily Mail, writing, “One friend of the royals pointed out to me this week that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex allowed their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey to be broadcast in 2021 even though Prince Philip was seriously ill in hospital.”
Eden continued, citing the source, “Meghan seemingly didn’t think twice about going ahead with the Oprah interview, did she?” The Oprah interview, which aired in March 2021, became a global sensation due to its explosive revelations about the royal family.
Critics argue that its timing overshadowed concerns for Prince Philip’s health, as he was hospitalized for a heart condition at the time. In contrast, Markle’s decision to delay her Netflix project is seen as empathetic and in tune with the somber reality of the wildfires.
A source close to the production noted, “Would people really want to watch a glossy TV show about someone’s luxury lifestyle when thousands of Americans have seen their homes and lives destroyed?” The California wildfires have left a devastating impact, destroying homes and displacing families, making Markle’s postponement a timely and compassionate gesture.
However, the renewed scrutiny over her past actions highlights the polarized perceptions of the Duchess of Sussex. While some see Markle’s Netflix delay as evidence of her evolving public sensitivity, others point to the contrasting handling of the Oprah interview as an example of misplaced priorities. This juxtaposition continues to fuel debates about Markle’s decisions and her broader role in balancing personal ambitions with public responsibility.