Martha Stewart is raising eyebrows with her recent comments questioning Meghan Markle's transition from actress to royal to lifestyle guru. The 85-year-old homemaking icon expressed skepticism about Markle's new Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," during an interview.
Why it matters: Stewart's remarks highlight the challenges of celebrity transitions and raise questions about authenticity in the lifestyle industry. Markle's efforts to re-establish herself post-royalty are under scrutiny.
Stewart stated, "If you’re an actress, it’s hard to then transition to a princess and then from a princess into a homemaking guru on a television show," indicating doubts about Markle's credibility.
The comments come as Markle has launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and a Netflix series that has received mixed reviews.
Stewart's critique follows a dinner party where the two women met shortly after Markle returned from a private family visit to King Charles III.
Driving the news: Stewart's pointed assessment surfaced in a cover interview for People magazine, coinciding with her 85th birthday. Her comments suggest a growing tension between traditional homemaking authority and modern celebrity culture.
Markle's Netflix series premiered in March 2025, featuring cooking and lifestyle content aimed at a broad audience.
Following their dinner encounter, Stewart implied she overheard Markle discussing her recent meeting with King Charles, which has since been denied by sources close to Markle.
Markle's family visit to the UK included a meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House, marking their first return in four years.
State of play: Markle's foray into lifestyle media has not gone unnoticed, with Stewart's comments drawing attention to the perceived lack of authenticity in Markle's approach.
Stewart has emphasized the importance of authenticity in the lifestyle space, stating, "Authenticity, to me, is everything, and to be authentic and knowledgeable about your subject matter is extremely important."
Critics have noted that Markle's attempts to position herself as a lifestyle expert may appear forced or insincere, especially following her royal background.
Stewart's critique raises questions about whether Markle can successfully navigate her new identity without the credibility associated with years of experience.
The big picture: The exchange between Stewart and Markle reflects broader themes of celebrity culture and the dynamics of public perception.
Stewart has built a successful empire through decades of expertise, contrasting sharply with Markle's more recent and less traditional path.
As Markle continues to cultivate her brand, she faces the challenge of overcoming skepticism from established figures like Stewart, who embody the traditional standards of homemaking.
The tension highlights the difficulties faced by public figures attempting to reinvent themselves in the spotlight, often under the scrutiny of media and public opinion.
What they're saying: The public response to Stewart’s comments has been mixed, with some supporting her critique and others defending Markle’s right to pursue her ambitions.
A source close to Markle claimed Stewart’s account of their dinner conversation was "simply untrue," asserting that Markle only mentioned enjoying her family vacation.
Markle’s team has emphasized her admiration for Stewart, noting that she enjoyed meeting her at the dinner party.
Public commentators have pointed out that Markle's lifestyle content often mirrors Stewart's established recipes and tips, raising questions about originality.
By the numbers: The dynamics between Stewart and Markle can be illustrated through key milestones in their careers.
Aspect
Martha Stewart
Meghan Markle
Years in Lifestyle Industry
40+
3+
First Cookbook Release
1982
N/A
Major Lifestyle Brand Launch
1997 (Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia)
2025 (As Ever)
Netflix Show Premiere
N/A
March 2025
What's next: As the dispute continues, both Stewart and Markle will likely remain in the public eye, each representing different facets of celebrity culture.
Markle may need to reassess her approach to building her lifestyle brand in light of the criticism and scrutiny she faces.
Stewart will likely continue to leverage her expertise and reputation as she navigates her role in the lifestyle industry.
The public's perception of both women will evolve as they respond to each other's critiques and the broader cultural conversations surrounding authenticity and expertise.