Martha Stewart questions Meghan Markle’s homemaking credentials with blunt career assessment

Martha Stewart is not entirely convinced Meghan Markle’s path into the lifestyle world adds up.

The 85-year-old homemaking icon offered a pointed assessment of the Duchess of Sussex’s transition from actress to royal to television host while discussing Markle’s Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan."

When asked about Markle stepping into her space with a cooking and lifestyle show, Stewart questioned whether the career transition made sense.

MEGHAN MARKLE RETURNS TO BRITAIN WITH PRINCE ARCHIE AND PRINCESS LILIBET FOR FIRST TIME IN YEARS

"If you’re an actress, it’s hard to then transition to a princess and then from a princess into a homemaking guru on a television show," Stewart told People. "It doesn’t sort of follow. So go from there."

Stewart also revealed that she recently crossed paths with Markle at a dinner party in California shortly after the duchess returned from a family trip to the United Kingdom.

"I had dinner with Meghan Markle the other night," she said. "We were both guests at a dinner party in California. And she had just gotten back from the palace."

Stewart said their interaction was brief.

"I didn’t talk to her really more than to say a couple words, but I know she was talking about it," she added.

Last month, Markle traveled to Britain with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, marking the family’s first visit to England in four years.

King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children for a private family meeting at Highgrove House in July.

The Sussexes moved to California in 2020 after stepping back as senior working members of the royal family. Markle later returned to the entertainment industry while expanding into media, business and lifestyle ventures.

MEGHAN MARKLE AND NETFLIX END LIFESTYLE BRAND PARTNERSHIP AS CRITICS SAY THEY 'GOT MARKLED ENOUGH'

"With Love, Meghan" premiered on Netflix in March 2025 and featured Markle sharing cooking, gardening, hosting and entertaining ideas with celebrity guests.

The series launched alongside her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which has sold products including fruit spreads, honey, tea, wine, candles and chocolate.

Stewart’s latest remarks echo comments she made in July 2025, when she was asked by Yahoo Lifestyle about Markle’s attempt to establish herself as a lifestyle authority.

"Meghan, I don’t really know very well, and I hope she knows what she’s talking about," Stewart told the outlet.

The cookbook author emphasized that credibility and experience are essential when building a connection with an audience.

"Authenticity, to me, is everything, and to be authentic and knowledgeable about your subject matter is extremely important," she said.

LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Stewart added that she did not object to other celebrities entering the lifestyle industry, offering a brief message to those following in her footsteps.

"I don’t mind. Good luck."

Stewart built her own homemaking empire after launching a catering business and publishing her first cookbook, "Entertaining," in 1982.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Her brand later expanded into magazines, television programs, books, retail partnerships and home products. She became the first self-made female billionaire in the United States in 1999.

The Netflix series ran for two seasons and was followed by a holiday special.

In March 2026, Netflix and Markle announced they were ending their partnership involving As Ever, with the duchess continuing to operate the lifestyle brand independently.

"Meghan’s passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As Ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life," a Netflix spokesperson told Fox News Digital at the time.

"As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world."

In its own statement to People, As Ever said it was "grateful for Netflix’s partnership through launch and our first year."

"We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth, and As Ever is now ready to stand on its own," the statement continued. "We have an exciting year ahead and can’t wait to share more."

Fox News Digital has reached out to Archewell for comment regarding Stewart’s remarks.