Mindy Kaling is shedding light on what she believes is a common misunderstanding about her friend, Meghan Markle. In a recent interview with Time, Kaling described the Duchess of Sussex as "a very generous woman" and emphasized that Meghan is far from the "fussy" or overly demanding person many people perceive her to be. Kaling’s comments come as she reflects on her experience appearing on Meghan’s upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, a lifestyle show focused on entertaining, cooking, and other facets of home life. Despite Meghan’s life of luxury—she resides with Prince Harry in a $14.65 million home in Montecito, California—Kaling insists that the duchess is remarkably down-to-earth. According to Kaling, Meghan is the type of person who knows "fun tricks to make entertaining and cooking easier," which speaks to her relatable and practical approach to hosting and everyday life.
Kaling’s firsthand experience with Meghan’s generosity came during a visit to Montecito while she was on maternity leave after welcoming her third child in February 2024. Meghan invited Kaling to be a guest on her show, offering to cook for her and provide a much-needed break during a hectic time in her life. Kaling recalled the trip fondly, describing it as a "fun maternity leave field trip." She left with not only a full stomach but also a thoughtful parting gift: a basket filled with fresh produce, homemade jam, and hot sauce—a personal touch that shows Meghan’s attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile for those she cares about. These small acts of kindness highlight the kind of person Meghan is, according to Kaling, someone who is genuinely warm and considerate.
During her appearance on With Love, Meghan, Kaling also picked up some valuable hosting tips from the duchess. The episode’s theme revolved around throwing a party for children, a topic that aligns with both women’s experiences as mothers. Kaling admitted that while she enjoys cooking, she’s not particularly skilled at entertaining, especially when it comes to the finer details of creating a welcoming atmosphere. She confessed that she wasn’t aware of something as simple as avoiding overhead lighting in favor of softer, more ambient lit spaces—something Meghan, with her keen eye for such things, effortlessly pulled off. These insights into Meghan’s hosting style further dispel the notion that she’s overly extravagant or difficult to please. Instead, they suggest that she’s someone who values simplicity and ease when it comes to bringing people together.
Despite Kaling’s glowing description of Meghan, the duchess has faced criticism in the past for being "difficult" to work with. According to UK royal correspondent Neil Sean, staffers who worked on Meghan’s now-canceled Spotify podcast, Archetypes, reportedly referred to her as "Eva"—a nod to Joan Crawford’s character Eva Phillips in the 1955 film Queen Bee. The nickname was allegedly used as a warning to signal when Meghan was on her way or in a particularly demanding mood. While it’s unclear how widespread this nickname was or how accurate the claims are, it suggests that some people who worked with Meghan found her challenging at times.
Further reports from British journalist Tom Quinn have also surfaced, with palace staff allegedly dubbing Meghan the "Duchess of Difficult." According to an anonymous source who spoke to Quinn, Meghan’s challenges stemmed from her adjustment to the complexities of royal life—a system that can be both outdated and overwhelming. The source explained that Meghan’s difficulties with her staff were not due to any intentional wrongdoing on her part but rather her inexperience with the intricate and often rigid protocols of the royal household. Compared to Prince Harry, who was raised within the royal system, Meghan had to navigate this world from the outside, which inevitably led to some friction. The source emphasized that these challenges were not a reflection of Meghan’s character but rather the result of her trying to find her footing in an unfamiliar and demanding environment.
Ultimately, the contrasting perspectives on Meghan Markle—Mindy Kaling’s portrayal of her as a kind, down-to-earth woman versus reports of her being difficult to work with—highlight the complexity of her personality and the scrutiny she has faced since joining the royal family. While some people have had negative experiences with Meghan, others, like Kaling, have experienced her warmth and generosity firsthand. This duality underscores the challenges Meghan has faced in balancing her personal identity with the expectations of her high-profile role. Whether or not the labels assigned to her are entirely fair, it’s clear that Meghan Markle is a multifaceted figure whose actions and demeanor have sparked both admiration and criticism. As she continues to navigate her post-royal life and pursue her passions, the world remains intrigued by her journey and the many facets of her personality.
