Meghan Markle Explains Why Her Netflix Show’s Kitchen Isn’t Actually Her Kitchen

Meghan Markle is setting the record straight on why she chose not to film her Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," in her actual home. Speaking at the Time 100 Summit in New York, the Duchess of Sussex revealed that the decision was all about protecting her children’s experience at home—because, as she put it, having a film crew of 80 people in your kitchen doesn’t exactly create those warm family memories you want your kids to hold onto.

Meghan, who shares son Archie and daughter Lilibet with Prince Harry, said, "When people say, ‘Why didn’t you [film in] your house?’ Well, I have kids coming home for their nap, and 80 people in the kitchen isn’t really the childhood memory I’d want for them to have." Instead, she and her team found a location nearby to stage the now-infamous kitchen scenes.

The show has sparked a wave of criticism, with some calling Meghan "unrelatable"—especially after eagle-eyed viewers spotted the glossy, over-the-top kitchen and a full lineup of fancy Le Creuset cookware. Apparently, nothing says "just like us" quite like a backdrop of designer pots and pans.

Addressing the backlash, Meghan reminded everyone that her life wasn’t always like this. "Don’t they know my life hasn’t always been like this?" she said, reflecting on her journey before royal titles and streaming deals entered the picture.

Meghan also shared that she’s made a deliberate effort to drown out the negativity. She emphasized setting boundaries for her own mental health and as an example for her children, noting, "When I am able to not even just tune out whatever that noise is, [but] to really not give it any credence, that has become so much a part of my day-to-day life."

On raising confident kids, Meghan said she’s focused on both Archie and Lilibet. She wants her son to be just as empowered as her daughter, believing confident boys help empower girls too. She added that her happiness these days is at an all-time high, thanks to her supportive husband and healthy, joyful kids. "I never would have imagined at this point I would feel so happy and grateful, and I really do," Meghan said, rounding out her thoughts with a genuine smile to the summit crowd.