Inside Meghan Markle's desire for 'world fame' and 'privacy'

In December 2022, following their Netflix documentary, a statement from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's global press secretary clarified that the idea they left royal life for privacy was a "distorted narrative" created by others. However, the couple expressed their frustration at the intense public scrutiny they encountered and claimed the constant barrage of criticism was detrimental to their wellbeing.

In the following years after quitting royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have raised eyebrows as the Sussexes appeared less concerned about their privacy than thought. Their contradictory behaviour was even parodied on the American series South Park, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were portrayed as talking heads who demanded privacy but still embarked on a 'Worldwide Privacy Tour'.

Royal Author Tom Quinn claimed to the Daily Mail: "If Meghan really wanted to be a private person, all she needed to do was go back to America and keep quiet - but what Meghan wants is privacy combined with world fame."

The Sussexes' former global press secretary released a statement that read: "The Duke and Duchess have never cited privacy as the reason for stepping back.

"In fact, their statement announcing their decision to step back mentions nothing of privacy and reiterates their desire to continue their roles and public duties.

"Any suggestion otherwise speaks to a key point of this series. They are choosing to share their story, on their terms, and yet the tabloid media has created an entirely untrue narrative that permeates press coverage and public opinion. The facts are right in front of them."

Mr Quinn also exposed a flaw in Meghan's televised interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she spoke about her short time in the Firm. He said: "The deep danger can be glimpsed when in the Oprah interview Meghan is encouraged to speak 'her truth'. Well, if we all have our own versions of the truth then there is no truth. Speaking "'my truth' is just a way of ennobling what is after all just one person's opinion."

Since stepping down as a working royal, Meghan appears to have focused much of her energy on her solo business projects and media projects, with the next season of With Love, Meghan, set to debut on August 26.

In her latest Instagram post, Meghan showed what appeared to be her making potato crisps from scratch. She teased the next instalment in a caption over an image of the thin disks of potato, frying in oil.

With Love, Meghan debuted earlier this year and combines Meghan's passion for home cooking, entertaining and personal storytelling with appearances from chefs and creatives.

Season two will feature contributions from chefs and personalities including José Andrés, David Chang, Samin Nosrat, Clare Smyth, Chrissy Teigen and Christina Tosi.