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Meghan Markle is eager to rebrand as a ‘homemaker’, is sick of being ‘royal wrecker’ & knows it’ll get one over on Kate

MEGHAN Markle is eager to be seen as a ‘homemaker’ rather than a ‘royal wrecker’ and is desperate to get one over Kate Middleton, claims royal pro.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, is set to star in her very own TV show, With Love, Meghan, which is coming to Netflix very soon – on Tuesday, March 4.

Meghan Markle in a white shirt.
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Meghan Markle will use her TV show in an attempt to ditch her ‘wrecker’ image, a royal pro has claimed[/caption]
a woman wearing a white dress and gold earrings
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It comes just after the rebrand of her lifestyle brand to ‘As Ever’[/caption]
a woman in a blue jacket leans on a couch in a living room
According to Ingrid Seward, the Duchess is desperate for some good publicity
Lorna Roach
a woman wearing a polka dot shirt and a brown coat is smiling
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Ingrid claimed that Meghan is eager to ‘get one over’ her sister-in-law Kate[/caption]

The lifestyle show was initially meant to hit streaming services on 15 January but was delayed due to the wildfires raging across California.

It’s yet another project she’s done with Netflix, after her 2022 reality docuseries, Harry & Meghan, which gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at their life.

And just two weeks ahead of the launch, Meghan has rebranded her lifestyle brand as ‘As Ever’ to coincide with the series, after she had trademark issues with the previous name ‘American Riviera Orchard‘.

But according to Ingrid Seward, royal expert and author, Meghan will see her TV show as a chance to project a ‘homely image of herself’. 

Despite this, Ingrid claims that Meghan’s show could be the chance to fix her reputation once and for all – even if it does remind royal fans of what her sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales, 43, has done in the past.

The editor of ‘Majesty’ magazine tells Fabulous: “I think she really enjoys cooking so I think what she wants to project is her image as a homemaker rather than a ‘royal wrecker’.

“You remember with Kate – we’ve seen Kate cooking with Mary Berry, we’ve seen Kate making cakes, and we know that Kate is a very accomplished cook.

“So I think Meghan wants to try and get one over her too.

“I think Meghan is desperate to get some good publicity. That’s what I think it’s all about, and she wants to project this very homely image of herself.”

Meghan’s non-fiction show, which will feature Meghan celebrating the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship, compliments the Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle brand.

But according to Ingrid, the delay of the release could be problematic for both the Duchess and Prince Harry.

She claims: “I think it would have suited her better if it had all come a bit quicker.

“I think the delay isn’t good for them.”

What do we know about Meghan Markle's new cooking show, With Love, Meghan?

MEGHAN Markle's new Netflix documentary trailer shows her cooking with Hollywood pals.

The Duchess of Sussex gave fans an insight into her show, With Love, Meghan, which airs on January 15.

There will be eight 33 minute episodes featuring a host of Meg’s various Hollywood friends trying her simple, yet “elevated”, food.

A montage of various clips in the nearly two minute video showed Meghan walking through vegetable patches and fields.

She was also filmed browsing through florists hand selecting beautiful flowers for table arrangements, showing off her creative side.

The Duchess even tried her hand at beekeeping, fully suited up, as she collected honey.

In the exciting new trailer, Meghan shared: “I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it.

“Surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.

“I’m going to share some little tips and tricks. I see what colour I gravitate to, and everything goes from there. And how you incorporate these practices every day.

“This is about connecting with friends.. I love that we’re doing this together for the first time. Making new friends.. and just learning.

 “We’re not in the pursuit of perfection. We’re in the pursuit of joy. I have to get it totally wrong, to get it totally right.”

The trailer showcased many “candid” moments, from Meghan accidentally squeezing some lemon juice in her eye, to knocking freshly baked goodies off a plate.

Prince Harry featured at the end of the video, embracing his wife in a warm hug.

‘Meghan has to do something positive’

But in order to get the public on side, Ingrid adds: “I feel that Meghan has to do something positive, I think she really needs to. And I think Netflix delaying this is not gonna help her.

“I think she needs something positive out there before she can move on with anything else. 

The Princess of Wales flipping a pancake.
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‘We’ve seen Kate cooking with Mary Berry, we’ve seen Kate making cakes, and we know that Kate is a very accomplished cook’, Ingrid claims[/caption]
a woman and three children are decorating cupcakes with sprinkles
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Princess Kate is said to encourage her kids to cook with her, and they sometimes make cheesy pasta[/caption]
Meghan Markle preparing vegetables in a kitchen.
Meghan’s show could be the chance to fix her reputation once and for all – even if it does remind royal fans of what Kate has done in the past.

“Meghan needs to make a positive, nice show.”

But Ingrid claimed that the mum-of-two, who is based in California with Prince Harry, 40, and their two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, in a sprawling £12 million, nine-bedroom mansion in Montecito, is ‘only interesting when she’s with Harry’.

I think what she wants to project is her image as a homemaker rather than a homewrecker

Ingrid Seward

Ingrid says: “Meghan is only really interesting to the world when she’s with Harry, and this is without Harry, so she’s got to make this show very personal for people to be interested. 

“She’s got to keep relating back to her children, and to Harry and her life since Harry, not before.

“She started up right after marrying Harry. I don’t think before that anyone was particularly interested in her. I mean, if only she could see that herself.

a woman in a red dress sits on a white chair
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Ingrid claimed that Meghan ‘needs something positive out there’[/caption]
a man in a suit and a woman in a black jacket are standing next to each other
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But the royal pro claimed that the Duchess is “only interesting to the world when she’s with Harry”[/caption]

“But before her marriage, she had Suits for success, but that’s all anyone knew her for. 

“Being linked to Harry, it makes her far more interesting, whether people want to like her or dislike her, which they seem to prefer the latter.”

‘Serious doubts that everyone is going to love it’

And when it comes to what people really want to see, according to this royal pro, it’ll be down to Meghan letting royal secrets slip. 

a woman in a white jacket stands with her hands folded
The Mega Agency
Ingrid stressed her “serious doubts” that everyone will love Meghan’s Netflix show[/caption]
a man and a woman standing next to each other wearing medals
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According to Ingrid, Meghan wants to project a ‘homely’ image in her Netflix show[/caption]

Ingrid claims: “I have my serious doubts that everyone is going to love it, because sadly, for Meghan, a lot of people seriously don’t like her. 

“Of course she has supporters, and the only reason they’re interested in Meghan is because she’s married to Harry.

“And she might let some royal secrets slip. Meghan might say a few indiscreet things, which, of course, is going to get great publicity for the show. 

“That’s obviously what Netflix hoped when they signed her up, is that she was going to make it quite personal.

“I’m sure that [Netflix were] hoping she’s going to spill more secrets. I can’t imagine that anyone is actually going to be that interested in Meghan’s jam

“Personally, I’m just not interested. I’m only [interested] from a journalistic point of view, but absolutely I would not bother to watch it otherwise.”

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Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step back as senior working royals?

PRINCE Harry has always wanted out of the Royal Family and the repercussions will be felt for years, an expert has claimed.

The Duke of Sussex has lived in California with his wife Meghan Markle since 2020 after they dramatically quit their jobs as working royals and moved across the pond.

Katie Nicholl, who is Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent, told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show that Megxit did not come as a surprise to her.

Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, the commentator explained: “Anyone who knows Harry is aware he’s always wanted a way out of the Royal Family.

“He’s said multiple times on the record that he wished he’d never been born a prince.

“I think he really is living the life he wants to now. It’s very, very sad that it’s played out the way it has.”

In a statement made on the Sussexes’ Instagram account as they stepped back in 2020, the pair wrote: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.

“It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.

“We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.

“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”

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How an old tea bag can help you spring clean your home & get everything sparkling WITHOUT scrubbing or chemical cleaners

AS we bid farewell to winter and look forward to the warmer months, many homeowners will be gearing up for a spring clean to refresh their homes.  

It’s all about shaking off the winter blues and preparing your space for the sunshine – and the good news is, you don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive cleaning products.  

Woman cleaning a window.
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Spring officially starts on 20 March[/caption]

According to experts, it can cost as little as 4p – and chances are, you already have the solution in your kitchen cupboard.  

Cleaning expert and director of Daily Poppins, Nigel Bearman, has unveiled a surprisingly effective, budget-friendly alternative to costly chemical cleaners: used tea bags.  

As spring cleaning season approaches, many people are on the lookout for affordable, natural cleaning solutions – and tea bags might just be the answer. 

In fact, you can even clean your entire bathroom with just a single tea bag, costing as little as 4p.

“Don’t throw away your used tea bags,” Nigel advises. “Instead, set them aside and use them on your shower screens, taps and even your toilet for a streak-free shine.”  

Tea bags contain natural chemical compounds called tannins, which boast antibacterial and grease-cutting properties.

These compounds help break down dirt, grime, and oily residue, making tea an effective and eco-friendly cleaner.  

“The next time you make yourself a cup of tea, let the tea bag cool down on the side whilst you enjoy your brew.  

“Then simply rub the damp tea bag over any affected areas to lift dirt and wipe dry with a microfibre cloth – it’s that easy.

“The tannins work to dissolve grease and lift dirt, leaving your surfaces streak-free and sparkling.  

“It’s an easy, eco-friendly way to maintain spotless windows without relying on any harsh chemicals.”  

The best part? Once you’re done cleaning, you can compost the used tea bags.  

This simple hack not only saves money but also reduces waste, making it a win-win for both your home and the environment.  

Beyond tackling bathrooms and windows, tea bags have plenty of other clever uses around the home. 

For instance, experts have revealed that they work wonders on greasy pots and pans. 

By soaking dirty dishes in warm water with a few used tea bags for a few hours, the tannins help break down grease, making the washing-up process much easier.  

They’re also an excellent solution for deodorising shoes.

Stacey Solomon's cleaning tips

IF you want a home that gleams like Stacey's, you'll need to listen up!

Label Everything: Stacey swears by the power of labelling. From pantry jars to storage bins, clear labels help keep everything organised and easy to find.

Daily Tidy Routine: Dedicate 15-20 minutes each day to tidying up. This prevents clutter from building up and makes weekly deep cleaning less daunting.

Baking Soda Magic: Stacey uses baking soda for a variety of cleaning tasks. It’s great for deodorising carpets, cleaning grout, and even freshening up mattresses.

Upcycle Containers: Repurpose old jars, tins, and containers to store cleaning supplies, craft materials, or kitchen ingredients. It’s both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Shine with Vinegar: White vinegar is a staple in Stacey’s cleaning arsenal. It works wonders on windows, mirrors, and even limescale build-up in kettles.

Make It Fun: Turn on your favourite music or podcast to make cleaning less of a chore and more of a fun, productive activity.

Use a Toothbrush: For those hard-to-reach spots, a toothbrush can be an excellent tool. Use it to scrub grout lines, around taps, and in other small crevices.

Declutter Regularly: Stacey advises a regular declutter session to get rid of items you no longer need. This keeps your home neat and creates more space for the things you love.

Air Fresheners: Create your own natural air fresheners using essential oils. Stacey loves using lavender or citrus oils to keep her home smelling fresh.

Microfibre Cloths: These are essential for dusting and cleaning surfaces without leaving streaks. They are reusable and can be easily washed.

Incorporate these tips into your routine for a cleaner, more organised home, just like Stacey Solomon’s!

Tea bag steeping in a mug of tea.
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Experts are urging cleaning fans to save their use teabags[/caption]

Simply place dry, used tea bags inside your shoes overnight, and they will absorb any unwanted odours, leaving your footwear smelling fresher.  

Another surprising use is for polishing wooden furniture.

Steep a used tea bag in a glass of water, then dampen a microfibre cloth with the tea-infused water and gently wipe down your wooden surfaces. 

Not only does this remove dust and grime, but the tannins also enhance the wood’s natural colour, leaving it with a beautiful shine. 

6 Spring Gardening Jobs You Can Do in 60 mins

A gardening pro, or just starting your planting journey? Nigel Lawton, a gardening expert at Dobbies Garden Centres has shared the six jobs you can do to transform your garden in under an hour.

1. Tidy up

Remove dead leaves, neaten beds and borders, remove any seeds and apply a good layer of mulch over the surface with organic peat-free compost. TIME: 60 mins 

2. Design beds and borders

Trim back winter flowering plants where blooms have started to fade. Start by removing any dead, diseased or damaged branches, and get rid of any branches that cross over, Nigel says. 

Then prune summer flowering shrubs like Buddleia, Lavatera and hardy Fuschias to allow room for new growth. As well as encouraging new growth in the plant by removing dead material, pruning will also allow you to control the height and shape of your plants. TIME: 50 mins

3. Create a cosy patio

If you have a patio, transform it into a cosy socialising spot.

Start by giving that a good clean with a jet wash to quickly complete the job in under an hour. You can further liven up the area by adding some garden furniture paired with some cushions, some throws, and an outdoor rug. TIME: 30 mins

4. Refresh pots 

To enjoy instant colour in your garden this spring, Nigel recommends refreshing your pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes with early season flowers for a country garden effect. 

Plant in threes or fives to create a  impactful display with small, medium, and large plants of different heights beside your door. TIME: 15 mins 

5. Lawncare 

Another beginner-friendly task you can do to spruce up your garden is taking care of the lawn by cultivating the soil and making sure the area is level and firm. 

Rake out any moss or dead grass, and apply lawn treatement in late spring. TIME: 15-30 mins

6. Welcome wildlife 

Spring is the perfect time to welcome wildlife into your garden as small animals come out of hibernation and new birds hatch into life. 

To ensure your garden is a safe space for wildlife, Nigel suggests dedicating a small section of your garden to creating a wildlife-friendly habitat with pollinating plants and places for small animals and insects to shelter.

You can create a safe space for them by stacking branches in a shaded spot to help protect them from the elements. All of this can be done in under an hour. TIME: 40 mins

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