A royal expert has shed light on why Prince Harry might not have a penchant for seafood after Meghan Markle revealed in the latest trailer for her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, that he “doesn’t like lobster.” Released on Tuesday, the trailer showcases Meghan hosting a group of celebrities and influencers at a rented California home near her and Prince Harry’s Montecito mansion.
Among the guests is Spanish-American chef José Andrés, who is seen preparing a seafood dish with the Duchess of Sussex. “Do you know who doesn’t like lobster? My husband,” Meghan tells José, who responds incredulously, “And you married him?”
Royal Protocol and Seafood Aversion
Harry’s aversion to shellfish may be rooted in royal protocol. It has been widely reported that senior members of the Royal Family are generally advised against consuming certain foods, including seafood, garlic, and foie gras, due to health and safety considerations. This guidance aims to minimize the risk of food poisoning, which could disrupt their official schedules.
Grant Harrold, a former butler to King Charles, noted, “It is a very sensible move to abandon having seafood when out and about on public duties.” He emphasized the importance of avoiding serious reactions to food poisoning, especially during overseas tours.
“We don’t want a member of the Royal Family having a serious reaction to food poisoning. Especially if [they] are on an overseas tour. Therefore you will not normally find this on the royal menu.” – Grant Harrold
However, this protocol is not without its contradictions. Darren McGrady, a former chef to Queen Elizabeth, shared a photo of a menu from 1989 that included a lobster soufflé, suggesting that the late monarch did enjoy shellfish on occasion.
Meghan Markle’s Love for Seafood
While Prince Harry may avoid shellfish, Meghan Markle has expressed her fondness for seafood. In an interview with The New Potato magazine, she described her “ideal food day” as one filled with seafood and pasta, capped off with a negroni.
Despite Harry’s preferences, Meghan’s culinary choices reflect her personal tastes, which include a love for prawns and lobster. This divergence in preferences highlights the couple’s individual personalities and backgrounds.
Controversial Guest Appearance
The new season of With Love, Meghan has already sparked controversy with the inclusion of American model Chrissy Teigen. Her appearance has drawn criticism due to her past involvement in a bullying scandal. In 2021, Teigen faced backlash after old tweets resurfaced, revealing abusive messages directed at then-16-year-old Courtney Stodden.
Despite Teigen’s public apology for her past behavior, her presence in the show has raised questions about Meghan’s stance on online bullying. Meghan has been a vocal advocate for stricter online safety regulations and has spoken out against cyberbullying.
“She advocates against online bullying then has Chrissy Teigen on…make it make sense Netflix,” one social media user commented.
Meghan’s decision to feature Teigen, who has been close to the Duchess since the Sussexes’ move to California, has led to scrutiny over their friendship. Critics argue that it contradicts Meghan’s advocacy for digital safety and her work with the Archewell Foundation’s Parents’ Network, which supports parents affected by social media-related issues.
Public Reaction and Implications
The inclusion of Chrissy Teigen in the show has prompted a wave of reactions from viewers and social media users. Some have expressed confusion over the decision, while others have criticized the perceived inconsistency in Meghan’s advocacy efforts.
As the new season of With Love, Meghan approaches its release, the debate surrounding its guest choices and the implications of royal protocol on personal preferences continues to unfold. The series, which offers a glimpse into Meghan’s life and values, remains a focal point of public interest and discussion.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how the show will address these controversies and whether it will impact Meghan’s public image. As the conversation around online behavior and royal traditions evolves, With Love, Meghan serves as a lens through which these broader societal issues are examined.
