Why Meghan Markle decided against filming her new Netflix show in her actual Montecito home

Meghan Markle has revealed why she made the decision not to film her new Netflix show from her own Montecito home – and why it was important to her to make this choice for her family. 

On Tuesday, Markle’s new series, With Love, Meghan, premiered with eight episodes on the streaming platform.

The show sees her cooking, as well as sharing her hosting tips and tricks, with a variety of guests, including her celebrity friends Mindy Kaling and actress Abigail Spencer.

However, the bright, farm-style kitchen with white cabinetry and a sprawling outdoor space isn’t actually hers – it’s an $8 million property a few miles from her own in Montecito, California.

‘I wanted to protect that safe haven,’ Markle, 43, told People in a new interview about the decision to film elsewhere.

‘We’re a close-knit family, and I love those moments — putting Lili down for a nap, having lunch together, having sacred time together at the end of the day,’ she continued, making reference to her three-year-old daughter, Lilibet.

The Duchess added, ‘Our kitchen is where Mama just cooks for the family, and with a crew of 80-plus people, that’s a lot of people to have in your house!’

The couple moved to Montecito, California, in 2020, after they decided to step down as senior members of the British Royal Family.

‘I wanted to protect that safe haven,’ Markle told People in a new interview about the decision to film elsewhere

On Tuesday, Markle’s new series, With Love, Meghan, premiered with eight episodes on the streaming platform

However, the bright, farm-style kitchen with white cabinetry and a sprawling outdoor space isn’t actually hers – it’s an $8 million property a few miles from her own in Montecito, California

However, on the show, Markle doesn’t seem to hide the fact that she’s not in her actual home, as she references the fact a few times.

As she’s putting together an array of treats, like peanut butter pretzels and popcorn, for her friend who is going to be staying with her during the first episode, she admitted that she was going to have to bring the assortment back to her own home.

But although she may not be filming from her and Prince Harry’s actual house, he still makes an appearance during the series.

He has a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment in the final episode, where the Duchess of Sussex organized a brunch ‘with her community.’

The Duke is among a flurry of guests, including his mother-in-law Doria Ragland, at a sunny outdoor party hosted by Markle.

‘Oh there he is,’ she gushed as her husband walked in, sporting a casual linen shirt and jeans for the outing.

The couple packed on the PDA as the Duchess huddled up to her husband, and said ‘good, right?’ while admiring the spread of champagne, Mimosas, quiche, bacon, pancakes and salad laid out.

‘Well done,’ he assured. ‘You did a great job. I love it.’

However, on the show, Markle doesn’t seem to hide the fact that she’s not in her actual home, as she references the fact a few times

‘To you!’ Harry can be heard toasting as Redbone’s Come And Get Your Love plays in the background

He can also be seen proudly looking on and raising a glass as the Duchess thanks those in attendance for ‘loving her so much and celebrating with her.’

‘This feels like a new chapter that I’m so excited that I get to share,’ she continued. ‘When I’ve been able to learn from all of you.

‘Thank you for the love and support. And here we go, it’s a business. All of that is that creativity that I’ve missed so much.’

‘To you!’ Harry can be heard toasting as Redbone’s Come And Get Your Love plays in the background.