The announcement that Meghan Markle is preparing to release a cookbook in 2026 has landed very differently from how her team may have hoped. Rather than excitement, the immediate response online was skepticism, sarcasm, and renewed debate about whether this project reflects genuine passion or calculated reinvention.
Critics were quick to point to Meghan’s previous on-screen cooking segments in With Love Meghan, where viewers closely scrutinized every movement in the kitchen. While the show emphasized warmth, presentation, and emotional storytelling, many questioned the depth of her culinary skill. One viral comment summed up the mood bluntly: “It’s beautifully shot — but where’s the cooking?”
That reaction has followed her into this next chapter. The idea of a cookbook, a format that traditionally relies on authority and credibility, has amplified the scrutiny. Some observers argue that this is precisely why the project feels provocative. As one media analyst put it, “A cookbook isn’t just about recipes. It’s a claim to expertise.”
Supporters counter that Meghan has never positioned herself as a professional chef. They note her long-standing interest in food culture, dating back to her now-defunct blog The Tig, where she often shared favorite meals, home hosting ideas, and personal rituals around cooking. From that perspective, the cookbook is less about technique and more about lifestyle — an extension of a brand rather than a culinary manual.
That distinction matters because, according to recent reporting, Meghan’s publishing plans align closely with her broader lifestyle strategy. Sources cited by MailOnline suggest the cookbook is expected in early 2026, alongside additional lifestyle products such as homeware and wine releases. In this context, the book appears to be one component of a carefully curated identity rather than a standalone passion project.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold has publicly weighed in on this direction, suggesting that Meghan is unlikely to release a memoir anytime soon. Instead, he believes she will continue leaning into lifestyle branding, possibly even producing a written extension of her Netflix series. Harrold described this path as comparatively “safe,” especially when contrasted with the fallout generated by Prince Harry’s memoir.What has intrigued commentators most is the narrative shift implied by the cookbook. Media strategists argue that this move represents a deliberate repositioning — away from Hollywood ambition and toward domestic identity. One branding expert observed, “She’s no longer selling herself as a star trying to conquer entertainment. She’s selling intimacy, home, and family.”