Meghan Markle didn’t think twice about postponing her Netflix cooking series with just three days to go, it has been reported.
It was announced on Sunday that the Duchess of Sussex, 43, had made the decision to postpone With Love, Meghan due to the devastation of the wildfires in her hometown of Los Angeles.
Some critics have since questioned her motives for delaying the launch by two months – from January 15 to March 4 – but insiders have told PEOPLE Magazine it was an ‘easy decision’ for Meghan to make.
On Friday, the Duchess and her husband Prince Harry visited survivors of the wildfires and were spotted handing out food packages.
They were also said to have opened their home in Montecito – around 90 miles away from LA – to victims and donated money and essential items.
The ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires have become among the deadliest in California history – with the death toll reaching 24 and a shocking 12,000 buildings destroyed by the flames.
It’s clearly a cause that is close to the Duchess’s heart – and the delay was led by Meghan’s concern over ‘putting out a show centred on joy’ when people nearby ‘no longer have homes’.
A source told PEOPLE: ‘Delaying the release of With Love, Meghan was likely an easy decision for her.
Meghan Markle reportedly found the decision to postpone her Netflix cooking show an ‘easy’ one. She is pictured in a trailer for With Love, Meghan
‘I don’t think she could imagine putting out a show centered on joy and hosting when so many people in her home state no longer have homes to host people in.
‘I think it’s sad that critics are saying she’s only doing this to avoid the fires overshadowing her show. We’re all human, and we’re dealing with a catastrophe.’
A statement issued by the Duchess of Sussex on Sunday, three days before the series was scheduled to debut, read: ‘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.’
With Love, Meghan reportedly includes tributes to the California-based royal’s home state and her personal ties to it.
PR experts had questioned the timing of the release of Meghan’s Netflix cookery show and said it should be postponed amid the wildfires.
They suggested to air it now could come across as ‘insensitive’ and ‘tone deaf’ and cause a fierce backlash against the royal couple.
UK brand and culture expert Nick Ede told : ‘I think Netflix bosses will be having to make some big decisions as whether to air With Love, Meghan in the next week.
‘With the show being so centred on California life, Los Angeles and Montecito, providing a glimpse into aspirational and inspirational living, I suspect it will be pulled from its current schedule and delayed for at least a few months.’
On Friday, the Duchess and her husband Prince Harry visited survivors of the wildfires and were spotted handing out food packages
Meghan Markle has pushed the release of her new Netflix show to March 4 due to the LA wildfires
Flames near a fire road above Mandeville Canyon during the Palisades Fire on January 11
A description of the series on Tudum’s website said: ‘Produced by Meghan, 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.’
The long awaited lifestyle series was first promised to fans when Meghan’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard was first teased last March.
The trailer shows the Duchess cooking in her Montecito kitchen, picking produce from her garden and chatting with very famous pals while The Lovin’ Spoonful’s Do You Believe in Magic plays over the top.
Posting the trailer on her Instagram account at the start of this month, Meghan wrote: ‘I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it.
‘Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun!’
She signed off: ‘As ever, Meghan.’
Meghan, 43, grew up in Los Angeles , and now resides in Montecito with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two kids, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three
Describing the series in an official synopsis, Netflix says: ‘In With Love, Meghan, we join Meghan in the kitchen, garden — and even at the beehive — as she prepares to host friends both old and new.
‘Sharing some of her favorite tips and tricks for cooking, gardening, crafting, and more, Meghan reveals how even the most minute details can help add beauty to our lives and, most importantly, help bring people together.
‘Whether it’s preparing take-home gifts for guests or adding a sprinkle of edible flowers to breakfast, it’s truly the thought that counts.’
Speaking in the trailer, Meghan says: ‘I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it, surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.
‘I’m going to share some little tips and tricks and how you incorporate these practices every day.
‘This is about connecting with friends… We’re not in the pursuit of perfection we’re in the pursuit of joy.’
Elsewhere, Meghan speaks about ‘making new friends’ and learning new skills – such as beekeeping.
In each episode, Meghan invites friends old and new to roll up their sleeves and join her in the kitchen, or garden, as they share candid conversations and top tips.
Meghan Markle was spotted comforting victims and first responders at an evacuation centre, on Friday amid the ongoing fires in LA
Meghan and Harry pictured with other volunteers after helping LA wildfire victims
Meghan Markle speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, center, and Doug Goodwin, who’s home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena
The Sussexes have made donations to relief efforts through their Archewell Foundation and have opened their $29 million Montecito mansion (seen) to loved ones forced to evacuate
As well as Mindy Kaling – who previously appeared on the Duchess’s podcast Archetypes – Prince Harry and chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters also make appearances.
Meghan also welcomes some of her closest friends, from Suits co-star Abigail Spencer to her ‘sister’ and ‘fellow polo wife’, Delfina Blaquier, wife to the Duke of Sussex’s pal Nacho Figueras.
Professional polo player Nacho was the first of the Figueras family to feature in a Netflix series from the Sussexes, after starring in Netflix’s Harry & Meghan, as well as the Duke’s Polo show.
Meghan’s make-up artist Daniel Martin, who is often described as the mother-of-two’s best friend, also featured in the trailer for the Duchess’ new programme.
The decision to delay the show’s release came after Harry and Meghan dedicated an entire day to their volunteering efforts in Pasadena and served meals with the World Central Kitchen – a long-term partner of their Archewell Foundation.
Video captured by Fox 11 Los Angeles showed Harry and Meghan in Pasadena on Friday, mingling with volunteers and the city’s mayor, Victor Gordo.
But the couple were keen to provide any support they could, according to the mayor, saying they were ‘great people’ with ‘great personalities’.
‘They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl and people were very happy to see them,’ Gordo added.
Meghan Markle, who was described as Princess Markle by a FOX LA anchor, was seen consoling victims of the wildfires at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been handing out food parcels to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Centre which is being used as an evacuation centre
Flames engulf a structure as the Eaton Fire burns in Pasadena on January 7
Meghan is seen consolling José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, as they made an appearance at the Pasadena Convention Centre on Friday
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle speak with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been handing out food parcels to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Centre which is being used as an evacuation centre.
The couple were also spotted hugging José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which is distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency crews in the wake of the wildfires.
The interaction was broadcast live on FOX LA, with news anchor Susan Hirasuna later being slammed online for describing Meghan as ‘Princess Markle’.
She also received criticism for saying Meghan was ‘hanging out with the commoners’.
Speaking to FOX LA, Mayor Gordo said: ‘They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as they can be and really they just want to be supportive.’
He added that the couple visited some of the burnt out houses in Pasadena and Altadena and spoke to those who had lost their homes.
‘They took the time to meet the people who were affected and spend time. They are just very caring people who are very concerned for their friends and neighbours,’ Gordo said.