Meghan Markle Talks Keeping Netflix Show Out Of Montecito Home: ‘I Wanted To Protect That Safe Haven"

Meghan Markle's new Netflix show, "With Love Meghan," was not filmed in her home for a special reason.

The Duchess of Sussex recently opened up about her decision to keep the filming crew out of her Montecito home. She explained that she did not wish to share her family's space with strangers, leading to the show's shooting at a different location.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry purchased the luxurious property in 2020 following their exit as working royals. Now, the couple share the home with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Despite calling her new show a "love letter to California," it does not showcase Meghan's private space with her loved ones. Instead, the Netflix program was filmed in a nearby rental similar to the family's space in the Montecito neighborhood.

Meghan stressed that a different location was necessary to protect the Sussexes, especially the young children, from multiple strangers. "I wanted to protect that safe haven. We're a close-knit family," the mother of two explained, adding:

"And I love those moments— putting Lili down for a nap, having lunch together, having sacred time together at the end of the day."

Meghan told PEOPLE her home could not accommodate the filming crew, claiming: "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!"

As stated, Meghan and Harry purchased the Montecito home in 2020 after exiting the British Royal Family. In a 2022 interview, the former actress recalled her husband had noticed two palm trees when they first toured the house.

"See how they're connected at the bottom? He goes, 'My love, it's us.' And now, every day when Archie goes by us, he says, 'Hi, Momma. Hi, Papa,'" Meghan claimed. Since then, palm trees have become a significant part of the duchess's life.

Meghan honored this symbolic representation of her love for Harry by using a palm tree in her rebranded lifestyle business, As Ever. A palm tree forms the centerpiece of the brand's logo. As for her Netflix show, which began airing on March 4, its success might determine the duchess' future in Hollywood.

Industry experts shared their thoughts on Meghan's future in the entertainment business, with The Blast covering the story. The founder of Achilles PR, Doug Eldridge, noted the former actress's Netflix show would be the defining factor, saying:

"You're only cold until you're hot again, and Hollywood is a town based on temperature, not talent. If the show is a success, this could be the moment of truth."

"If the show is a modest success, Meghan will return to relevancy in Tinseltown, and the influencer opportunities will multiply," Eldridge claimed. The branding expert stated the duchess might not have what it took to appeal to her audience, noting:

"The problem with the influencer or reality television category is that it's often more fashion than style. Fashion changes with the season or trend. Style is enduring, personal, and doesn't fall victim to seasonal whims."

Eldridge noted Meghan's future in Hollywood wasn't bleak as long as she could "put her personal style and stamp" on things. He explained that doing so would "create some foundational scaffolding to rebuild her life and career."

Additionally, the industry expert applauded Meghan's resilience, saying, "To her credit, Meghan has never given up. Loss after loss, she's stayed in the fight." One of the ways the media personality might be trying to stay relevant could be related to her glamorous wardrobe claims.

Last month, The Blast reported that a source had shared details about Meghan's alleged fashion bills. They claimed her Montecito neighbors had set a new standard of wealth and luxury for the duchess, influencing her to keep up with their expensive lifestyle.

The insider noted Meghan moved with a Montecito crowd that was "next-level rich." They alleged the circle rocked millions in jewelry without a second thought, raising the bar for the former actress regarding her style.

"She's always loved designer clothes and fancy things, but now, it's about keeping up with them," the source claimed. However, they noted Meghan attempted to elevate her style not only to match her circle but to create a brand that encouraged others to emulate her wardrobe.

"She's got to look the part of a Princess," the insider continued, adding, "She feels a lot of pressure to embody this royal image that she's clinging to."

This desire allegedly motivated Meghan to hire "an A-list stylist because she needs to exude quiet luxury at all times, and that does take a lot of effort, not to mention a ton of money."

Will Meghan Markle's new show be a hit or another flop for the Sussexes?