Inside Meghan Markle’s ‘easy’ call to delay her ‘joyful’ Netflix cooking show after personally witnessing devastation from LA wildfires

Meghan Markle didn’t think twice about postponing her Netflix cooking series with just three days to go, it’s reported.

It was announced on Sunday that the Duchess of Sussex, 43, had made the decision to postpone With Love, Meghan due to the devastating 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 bushfire survivors and were spotted handing out food parcels.

They also reportedly opened their home in Montecito – about 90 miles from LA – to victims and donated money and essential items.

The ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires are among the deadliest in California history – with a death toll of 24 and a shocking 12,000 buildings destroyed by the flames.

It’s clearly a cause close to the Duchess’ heart – and the delay was caused by Meghan’s concerns about “putting on a show that centers on joy” when people in the area “no longer have a home”.

A source told PEOPLE: “Postponing the release of With Love was probably an easy decision for her.

“I don’t think she could imagine creating a show that’s about joy and hosting when so many people in her home state no longer have homes to host people.

“I think it’s sad that critics say she’s only doing this to keep the fires from overshadowing her show. We are all human and we are dealing with a catastrophe.”

A statement from the Duchess of Sussex on Sunday, three days before the series was due to debut, said: ‘I am grateful to my partners at Netflix for their support in delaying the launch while we focus on the needs of those affected. because of the wildfires in my home state of California.”

With Love, Meghan will reportedly pay tribute to the California-based royal family’s home state and her personal ties to it.

PR experts had questioned the timing of the release of Meghan’s cooking show on Netflix, saying it had to be postponed due to the bushfires.

They suggested it be aired now as it could come across as ‘insensitive’ and ‘tone deaf’ and cause a strong backlash against the royal couple.

British brand and culture expert Nick Ede told MailOnline: ‘I think Netflix bosses will have to make some big decisions about whether With Love, Meghan will air next week.

“Because the show is so centered on life in California, Los Angeles and Montecito, and provides a glimpse into an ambitious and inspiring life, I suspect it will be pulled from its current schedule and postponed for at least a few months. ‘

A description of the series on Tudum’s website read: ‘Produced by Meghan, With Love, Meghan combines practical how-tos and candid conversations with friends new and old.

“Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection, and highlighting how easy it can be to create beauty even in the unexpected.

‘She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, garden and beyond and invite you to do the same.’

The highly anticipated 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 friends as The Lovin’ Spoonful’s Do You Believe in Magic plays over the top.

Meghan posted the trailer to her Instagram account early this month, writing, “I’m so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I love making it.

‘Wishing you all a fantastic New Year! Thanks to our amazing crew and team. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun!’

She signed off: “As always, Meghan.”

Netflix describes the series in an official synopsis: “In With Love, Meghan, we join Meghan in the kitchen, the garden – and even the beehive – as she prepares to entertain friends both old and new.

‘Meghan shares some of her favorite tips and tricks for cooking, gardening, crafting and more, revealing how even the smallest details can help add beauty to our lives and, most importantly, bring people together.

‘Whether it’s preparing gifts for guests or adding edible flowers to breakfast, it really is the thought that counts.’

Meghan says in the trailer: “I’ve always loved taking something very ordinary and taking it to the next level, surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking about them.

“I’m going to share some little tips and tricks and how to apply these practices every day.

“This is about connecting with friends… We don’t strive for perfection, we strive for joy.”

Elsewhere, Meghan talks 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, where they share candid conversations and top tips.

In addition to Mindy Kaling – who previously appeared on the Duchess’s Archetypes podcast – Prince Harry and chefs Roy Choi and Alice Waters also appear.

Meghan also welcomed some of her closest friends, from Suits co-star Abigail Spencer to her “sister” and “fellow polo woman,” Delfina Blaquier, wife of the Duke of Sussex’s friend Nacho Figueras.

Professional polo player Nacho was the first of the Figueras family to star in a Netflix series from the Sussexes, after starring in Netflix’s Harry & Meghan and 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’s new programme.

The decision to delay the show’s release came after Harry and Meghan dedicated an entire day to their volunteer work in Pasadena, serving meals at 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 was eager to provide whatever support they could, according to the mayor, who said they were “great people” with “great personalities.”

“They really lifted the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl and the people were very happy to see them,” Gordo added.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had distributed food parcels to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Center which is used as an evacuation center.

The couple were also seen hugging José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which is distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency services in the aftermath of the bushfires.

The interaction was broadcast live on FOX LA, with news anchor Susan Hirasuna later criticized online for describing Meghan as “Princess Markle.”

She was also criticized for saying Meghan was “hanging out with the common people.”

Speaking to FOX LA, Mayor Gordo said: ‘They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as possible and really they just want to be supportive.’

He added that the couple visited some burned homes in Pasadena and Altadena and spoke with those who had lost their homes.

‘They took the time to meet and spend time with the people affected. They are just very caring people who are very concerned about their friends and neighbors,” Gordo said.