The PEOPLE magazine article “On Set with Meghan Markle: Insiders Reveal What It Was Really Like Working on With Love, Meghan” provides an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show. Published on March 8, 2025, the article features exclusive interviews with the production team and guest participants. You recall that others have said that Meghan is a bully.

Director Michael Steed, who previously worked on “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” describes how his role evolved to become an on-camera conversation partner for Meghan, creating a more natural, conversational atmosphere. He praises Meghan’s cooking skills as “pretty spot-on” while emphasizing that the show embraced imperfections rather than aiming for a polished, chef-like presentation. Steed characterizes Meghan as “totally L.A., California, through and through” and notes that her childhood experiences on television sets helped her quickly form strong connections with the crew. He particularly enjoyed filming scenes where Meghan engaged in activities like flower arranging, noting these moments allowed her to get “lost in what she was doing” as the camera disappeared. This is contrary to what others have said about Meghan Sussex.

An unnamed crew member shares how unique the production was, as crew members were included rather than expected to “fade into the background.” He describes Meghan as “warm,” “approachable,” and “genuine,” making sure everyone felt included regardless of their position. The crew member recounts Meghan’s weekly thoughtful gestures for the team, from coffee carts to shaved ice trucks on hot days. He also offers glimpses of visits from Prince Harry and their children Archie and Lilibet, noting that while Harry was “super polite and friendly,” he clearly wanted “this to be Meghan’s moment to shine.” The crew even filmed briefly at the couple’s Montecito residence, described as “a nice little slice of paradise” with a chicken coop, garden, and beehive.

The article continues with testimonials from various guests who appeared on the show:

Chef and farm-to-table pioneer Alice Waters describes forming a genuine connection with Meghan, particularly appreciating how she incorporates biodiversity into family life by connecting her children with the gardens and chickens.

Makeup artist Daniel Martin, a longtime friend, shares that much of his personal time with Meghan is spent in the kitchen, and he’s excited for viewers to see their “brother-sister dynamic.”

Chef Roy Choi bonded with Meghan over their Los Angeles upbringing, describing their immediate connection as like “best friends instantaneously.” He appreciates how the show celebrates California culture and mentions the decision to delay the premiere due to Los Angeles wildfires.

Tatcha skin-care founder Vicky Tsai reveals Meghan’s unexpected hobbies, including a weekly mahjong group and a passion for pickleball shared with Harry. Mahjong is a tile-based game that originated in China during the Qing dynasty and has since spread globally with many regional variations. It’s typically played by four players and involves skill, strategy, and a degree of chance.

The game is played with a set of 144 tiles that include several suits (bamboos, dots, and characters), honor tiles (winds and dragons), and sometimes bonus tiles. Players take turns drawing and discarding tiles to form specific combinations or sets, similar to the card game rummy. The goal is to complete a winning hand by forming specific patterns of tiles.

Mahjong has cultural significance in many East Asian communities and has evolved into different variations across regions, including Chinese Classical, Hong Kong, Japanese Riichi, American, and others, each with their own specific rules and scoring systems.

Photographer Jake Rosenberg, who has captured Meghan through various life stages from her “Suits” days to motherhood, describes their working relationship as natural and comfortable, including poignant photos with her late beagle Guy.

Website designer Ryan Sax details his long professional relationship with Meghan since designing her former lifestyle blog “The Tig” in 2014, through to their current collaboration on her new lifestyle brand “AsEver.com.” He shares a personal anecdote about their families spending time together in 2022, with their children playing together—a “full-circle moment” that highlighted how much their lives had changed since they first met.

A Royal Who Remains Relatable

Through the intimate glimpses provided by those who worked alongside her on “With Love, Meghan,” a portrait emerges of a woman who has maintained her warmth and authenticity despite the extraordinary trajectory of her life. From surprising crew members with thoughtful treats to remembering personal details about their lives, Meghan consistently demonstrated that genuine connections matter to her.

What stands out most in these accounts is Meghan’s ability to create spaces where everyone feels valued—whether in her professional environment or her Montecito home. Her weekly mahjong gatherings, pickleball matches with Harry, and family moments with Archie and Lilibet reveal a life built around meaningful relationships and simple pleasures.

As she embarks on this new chapter with her Netflix show and lifestyle brand, Meghan seems to have found her stride by returning to her California roots while carrying forward the lessons of her royal journey. In the kitchen or the garden, hosting friends or surprising the crew, the Duchess of Sussex remains, at heart, simply Meghan—a woman dedicated to sharing her love of food, home, and hospitality with others.

With the second season already filmed and set to premiere this fall, audiences will have more opportunities to experience the genuine warmth and creativity that those who know her best describe as her defining qualities.