Meghan Markle's turbulent year as she turns 44 - from podcast backlash to Netflix 'flop'

Meghan Markle has been spotted spending time with her young son, Prince Archie, six, ahead of her 44th birthday, which she is celebrating today (August 4). The Duchess of Sussex, who resides in California, is likely to mark the milestone with her husband, Prince Harry, Archie, and daughter Princess Lilibet, four, according to reports.

Meghan has previously said on social media that her mum, Gloria, told her: "Birthdays are your own personal New Year." It's been quite an intense past year for the royal, who has experienced a number of very public highs and lows.

In March, the Netflix series With Love, Meghan dropped on the streaming giant, and it was described as a show which "reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-tos and candid conversation with friends, new and old".

However, the series, which sees Meghan and friends prepare meals in a kitchen, faced a major backlash and low viewership ratings. Critics even branded the cooking show "bland" and an "exercise in narcissism".

It briefly appeared in Netflix's global top 10, but it has been absent from the streaming service's top 300 most-watched shows. Netflix's engagement report, published on July 17 and spanning the first six months of 2025, placed the show in the 383rd position, with 5.3 million viewings.

Despite the criticism, the show's second season is slated for release later this year, and it was filmed at the same time as the debut series. According to reports, the show is set to return for a third series.

Meghan's show was not the only face-to-camera work she has been criticised for this year. In April, she gave her first-ever podcast interview on The Jamie Kern Lima Show. She talked to her pal Jamie Kern Lima about motherhood, her relationship with Harry, and even got tearful about a letter from her children.

Despite getting candid with Jamie and the women both appearing make-up-free on the podcast, the episode was met with a wave of criticism. People on social media said it was the most "insufferable conversation" ever. It was mercilessly mocked on TikTok, with many creators reinacting the chat between the two businesswomen.

However, Meghan's experiences this year have not been all negative. Her rose wine, released on her brand's website, As Ever, on July 1, sold out within minutes.

But, the wine, priced at more than £65 for a minimum three-bottle order, was only available for purchase by American customers.

In recent days, her As Ever brand team revealed that a vintage edition of the wine will be available for purchase in an exciting update for Meghan.

"Oh, how we love seeing the world through rose colored glasses," the Duchess of Sussex posted to Instagram. "Rosé colored glasses? Perhaps even better. Our new vintage of As Ever's beloved rosé is available next week."