Biggest bombshells from Meghan Markle interview - strict rule, nod to Diana, Doria's dig, jam problems

The Duchess of Sussex invited a journalist inside her Montecito home as she launched her new lifestyle brand, As Ever - and the writer has revealed the strict rule she had to adhere to

Meghan Markle has opened up in a new personal interview from her Montecito mansion, making several unexpected admissions and addressing the harsh criticism of her Netflix series.

The Duchess of Sussex spoke candidly while launching her lifestyle brand As Ever, which saw its initial product line sell out in a mere 30 minutes. Ahead of the launch, Meghan offered fans a rare peek into the home she shares with Prince Harry, sharing two beloved recipes.

She also dropped some personal revelations, including the surprise meals she sometimes serves her children and a strict household rule....

Strict household rule

In this rare interview, conducted by New York Times food reporter Julia Moskin, Meghan welcomed her into her Montecito kitchen – a first for any journalist. Yet, Moskin disclosed that she was firmly instructed not to take any photos inside or of the house due to "reasons of privacy and security" reports the Mirror.

Later, footage of one of the recipes Meghan prepared with her mother Doria was shared on the duchess' Instagram account.

Brief Harry cameo

During the interview, it emerged that Prince Harry was also at home but chose not to participate. The interviewer disclosed: "On a bright morning last week at her home in Montecito, Meghan roved between the garden, where Prince Harry stopped by the strawberry patch in Birkenstocks to say he was getting on a work call."

While Harry's presence in Meghan's Netflix series With Love, Meghan was brief, appearing only in the final episode, he has not featured in any promotional activities for her latest venture.

FDA dismay

The release of the interview aligned with the debut of Meghan's eagerly awaited lifestyle label, As Ever, launched yesterday. Her highly publicised jam, tagged at £10.80 a jar, and an array of items including herbal teas, flower sprinkles, and premium honey were quickly seized by consumers after the duchess' As Ever brand - a partnership with Netflix - opened for sales.

The entire selection sold out within minutes, prompting fans to point out that the duchess released limited stock, leading to speculation that this might be a shrewd marketing tactic to boost demand.

Meghan's fans snapped up her raspberry spread, encased in commemorative packaging, for 14 US dollars (£10.80), and for those who couldn't grab it, a later release sans the special box will go for nine dollars (£7). The choice of the term 'spread' over 'jam' sparked curiosity among many, which, as reported, stems from US Food and Drug Administration guidelines - a point that reportedly left Meghan disheartened.

In her Netflix series, she clarifies why her product doesn't qualify as jam, which traditionally comprises equal parts fruit and sugar, noting her version cuts down on the sweetener.

Netflix backlash

Critics have labelled the duchess as disconnected and her advice as unattainable, taking aim at the products featured, as well as the picture-perfect existence she exhibits.

Yet, undeterred by the negative feedback, she retorted to the media: "Don't they know my life hasn't always been like this?" while indicating the panoramic views outside her window and her dozing pets.

She also expressed her need to work, stating, "I love to work," and highlighted her employment history since the age of 13, prior to meeting Harry.

Doria wades in

Meghan isn't the only one to address the criticism; her mother, Doria, also chimes in during their joint conversation. The interviewer brings up social media posts suggesting that Le Creuset pans are too pricey for Black women, which sparked a response from Black women sharing photos of their extensive Le Creuset collections online.

In response to the criticism, Meghan remarks: "This is a thing, in 2025?", while Doria comments: "Everyone is coming in hot these days."

A tribute to Diana

Although no photographs of the kitchen were permitted, the writer describes its interior, noting a heartwarming tribute to Harry's late mother, Princess Diana.

The kitchen features a "weathered wooden island, a well-used Viking stove, and classic accents of blue-and-white tiles," along with "an old-fashioned butler's pantry" and shelves filled with cookbooks.

Additionally, the outlet mentions: "Just outside the door, a framed picture of Harry as a boy with his mother, Princess Diana, holds pride of place."

A candid dinner confession

In the show she frequently discusses her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and shares how she prepares vegetable crudite plates for them and presents ideas for a fresh fruit platter and tea party sandwiches for children.

However, she also reveals the other meals she whips up for them when it's just her and the kids at home. While discussing her culinary skills and confessing she's not a professional, she discloses that her freezer is packed with chicken nuggets, Tater Tots and veggie burgers.