Days after she was seen volunteering and meeting with victims of the Los Angeles wildfires, Southern California-born Meghan Markle has requested the delay of her forthcoming Netflix series With Love, Meghan to continue her focus on relief efforts.
In a statement released today, the streamer said the Duchess of Sussex made the ask “with the full support of Netflix” to push back the original Jan. 15 premiere date to March 4. Given that the show, billed as a lifestyle program incorporating elements of cooking, gardening and shopping series, is a “heartfelt tribute to the beauty of Southern California,” the move was “due to the ongoing devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires.”
“I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,” the former Suits star said.
Produced by Markle, With Love, Meghan blends “practical how-to’s and candid conversation with friends, new and old. Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection, and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected. She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, and invite you to do the same,” per a logline of the show.
The project stems from Markle and Prince Harry’s overall deal between their Archewell Productions and Netflix.
On Friday, the couple were seen at the Pasadena Convention Center meeting with those displaced by the dual raging fires in Los Angeles: the Eaton blaze affecting Altadena and surrounding areas, as well as the Pacific Palisades Fire that has leveled the neighborhood in the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding Malibu community. As described by Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, the two met with and thanked first responders, anonymously helped distribute meals under chef José Andrés’ nonprofit World Central Kitchen (with whom they’ve partnered previously) and offered general assistance and comfort to those in need.
Throughout the years, both Markle and Prince Harry have made a well-documented, concerted effort to volunteer through their philanthropic arm Archewell Foundation, traveling globally to provide relief and resources.
In the latest updates to the state crisis, the Palisades Fire has scorched 23,707 acres and is now 16% contained. The Eaton Fire in Pasadena/Altadena has charred more than 14,000 acres but firefighters increased containment overnight from 15% to 27%. At least 16 people are confirmed dead in both fires and that number is expected to rise.
