Meghan Markle issues statement as she delays Netflix series launch amid LA wildfires

Meghan Markle's eight-part series, With Love, will premiere on March 4 instead of January 15 as the former Suits actress helps her community impacted by the LA wildfires

Meghan Markle has confirmed her new Netflix series will not premiere later this month amid the ongoing tragic events in her hometown of LA.

The release of a new Netflix series produced by the Duchess of Sussex will be postponed due to the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires, the streaming platform has announced. Meghan’s eight-part series, With Love, will premiere on March 4 instead of January 15.

"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," Meghan said in a statement to Tudum, the official companion site to Netflix.

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 Duke and Duchess of Sussex have visited a meal distribution site for people affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, it was revealed on Saturday. Harry and Meghan were filmed by local news outlet Fox 11 on Friday and were seen hugging people and speaking to emergency crews at the Pasadena Community Centre in Los Angeles.

The couple also met Victor Gordo, mayor of Pasadena, and in the footage they are seen speaking to World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder chef Jose Andres. WCK has pop-up locations around California, including at the Pasadena Community Centre, where the public and emergency crews can get free hot meals in the wake of the wildfires, its website says.

The Archewell Foundation, Harry and Meghan’s charity, has partnered with WCK for a number of years. Meghan was also photographed speaking to Doug Goodwin, whose home was destroyed in the wildfires. The series of major fires have killed at least 11 people, ravaged communities and caused thousands to flee their properties.

Harry and Meghan live in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, some 90 miles from Los Angeles. It is believed the couple have donated clothing, children’s items and other essential supplies for people affected by the fires. They also invited friends and loved ones who had been forced to evacuate into their home, it is understood.

On Thursday they recommended a list of fire service charities, animal groups and other initiatives to support. They said on their website: "In the last few days, wildfires in southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.”

They added: "If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate, and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. Be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbours to see if they need help evacuating. Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need."

Meghan returned to the spotlight at the start of the year as she shared her first solo Instagram post since marrying Harry on New Year's Day. The mum-of-two then announced her Netflix series would premiere later this month, prior to this evening's announcement.

In the trailer for With Love, Meghan, she appears smiling and relaxed in the online trailer for With Love, Meghan, which includes a clip of her being hugged by the Duke of Sussex. The eight-part series sees Meghan inviting friends and famous guests to a California estate, where she shares cooking, gardening and hosting tips.

It was announced a day after she returned to Instagram for the first time since 2020, where 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 @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun!"

Actresses Mindy Kaling and former Suits star Abigail Spencer, plus chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters are among the guests who appear on the 33-minute shows. Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Productions helped to make the series and she also gets a credit as one of its executive producers.

The couple have a multimillion-pound deal with streaming giant Netflix. Harry and Meghan are executive producers of Polo which aired in December. The documentary was the Sussexes’ first since Heart Of Invictus, which aired some 16 months earlier and followed a group of service members on their road to the Invictus Games, the Paralympic-style sporting competition set up by Harry in 2014 for injured and sick military personnel and veterans.

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