Meghan Markle faced significant ridicule during a recent episode of the BBC's comedy panel show, Have I Got News for You, which aired on Friday night and attracted nearly three million viewers. During the episode, the panel, led by host Alexander Armstrong, made a series of jokes about Markle's new lifestyle brand, As Ever, as well as her Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan.
The mockery began with a visual gag that depicted Markle in a chef's hat preparing jam, which drew jeers and groans from the studio audience. Armstrong introduced Markle's description of her brand's launch as a "pivotal moment" and referenced her jam jars as "time capsules," to which the audience reacted negatively. Ian Hislop, a team captain and journalist on the show, commented on the limited stock of the raspberry spread, suggesting, "It has immediately sold out, which I thought was good, unless there is only two jars."
The panel's commentary extended to critique the culinary skills showcased in Markle's With Love, Meghan. They described an episode where Markle purchased pretzels and merely transferred them to a different bag as a demonstration of cooking, further affirming the quality of the show has faced substantial criticism from reviewers.
Comedian Phil Wang weighed in on Markle's beekeeping efforts, suggesting that her reaction while collecting honey indicated a lack of authenticity. He remarked, "She held each honeycomb like it was covered in s**t," playfully exaggerating her discomfort with the task. He continued in a mock American accent, mimicking her sentiments on the joys of nature while implying she seemed ready to vomit.
In addition, both Meghan and Prince Harry were subjects of jokes regarding the charity Sentebale, which Harry founded in honour of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. The legitimacy of Harry's involvement with the charity came into question after allegations of bullying were made by the charity's chair. Hislop noted this by saying that the jars for Markle's jam could also serve as holders for "writs from charities that your husband has been involved in."
The scrutiny on Markle's lifestyle brand was not limited to the comedy panel. New York Magazine, which had previously supported the Sussexes, published a critical article that described Markle’s journey as characterised by an "identity crisis." The piece quoted Margaret Hartmann, who observed how Markle appears uncertain about her customer base as she attempts to navigate between her past as a royal and her current identity as a California mother. Hartmann stated, "Meghan felt the need to explain (twice!) that tea is prepared by steeping bags in hot water," suggesting a disconnect with her audience.
Moreover, the magazine scrutinised the one-dimensionality of Markle's products, which include quintessential British items such as tea, jam, and shortbread, presented in a manner that some consumers found lacking in depth. The review indicated that the products, available at premium prices, may struggle to fully appeal to both a British audience and those that might be put off by her perceived pretentiousness.
As the former Suits actress continues to navigate her post-royal life, this latest episode of Have I Got News for You showcased the public's ongoing fascination and criticism regarding her recent ventures and her significant change in lifestyle.
Source: Noah Wire Services