Meghan Markle, now known as the Duchess of Sussex, faces criticism from her father over her newly released Netflix series "With Love, Meghan."
According to the US Sun, Thomas Markle has voiced his displeasure particularly with Meghan’s rejection of the Markle family name and her portrayal of her upbringing.
The series, which debuted on Netflix on March 4, features Meghan discussing various aspects of her life. However, it is not just the content that has sparked conversation but also her choice to distance herself from her maiden name, opting instead for her title, "Sussex." This decision has not sat well with her father, Thomas Markle.
Thomas Markle expressed his views publicly, stating, "My mum loved Meghan very much but she would be so disappointed to hear that Meghan no longer wants to use the name 'Markle'." He highlights the pride their family holds in their surname, noting both his mother's and his attachment to it. “Meghan never had a problem with the Markle name until she met Prince Harry,” he added.
Meghan responded during the series, seemingly bemused by the fixation on her surname, "It’s so funny, too, that you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now." This signifies her shift in identity post her marriage into the British Royal Family.
The narrative of Meghan's childhood as illustrated in the Netflix show did not align with Thomas Markle's accounts of those years. He refuted the portrayal of Meghan as a "latchkey kid," asserting she lived with him full-time from the age of 11 until she went to university at 18. Thomas also mentioned that they often dined out thrice a week, countering the implication of a less privileged upbringing with "Money was never an issue."
Thomas’s perspective provides a contrasting narrative to the version of events portrayed in the series, suggesting a more involved and financially stable family life than depicted.
"With Love, Meghan" has not only been critiqued by family but also faced harsh reviews from television critics. Dianne Nelmes particularly criticized the series, calling it "gormless lifestyle filler" and an "exercise in narcissism." Despite this, the controversy seems to have fueled interest, as Netflix has confirmed the renewal of the series for a second season.
The decision to renew was explained by a quote from an unnamed source linked to the show, “This may raise a few eyebrows but one thing which Netflix loves is controversy - and this show certainly created a lot of debate.” This suggests that the mixed reactions might have bolstered the series’ visibility and interest among viewers.
The public discourse surrounding Meghan’s series and her family relations sheds light on the often complex dynamics between personal history and public perception. While Meghan embraces her new life and identity as Duchess of Sussex, her father clings to the familial and historical significance of their shared surname, highlighting a deep divide in perspectives and experiences within the family.
This divide extends beyond mere name preference into differing recollections of the past, each colored by personal feelings and public pressures. The series, therefore, serves not only as a glimpse into Meghan's life but also as a catalyst for broader conversations about identity, heritage, and family dynamics in the public eye.
As the series prepares for its next season, viewers might expect further exploration of these themes, possibly providing more clarity—or controversy—over the Sussex brand and its narrative in the coming episodes.
