Meghan Markle is heading back to Hollywood, but not everyone is rolling out the red carpet. Eight years after quitting acting to become a working royal, the Duchess of Sussex is making her return to the big screen in a new film role.

It’s quite the plot twist for the former Suits star, who once traded scripts for tiaras before swiftly turning her back on palace life in favour of sunshine, freedom, and fame. After stepping down as a working royal alongside Prince Harry in 2020 – for what they famously called a “quiet life of privacy”, the pair have rarely been out of the spotlight.

From Netflix deals to tell-all interviews and a lifestyle brand selling £50 candles, Meghan has become a master of reinvention. Now, as she makes her grand re-entry into Hollywood, she’s swapping her royal title for a director’s chair, and let’s just say, the reviews are already mixed.

Celebrity chef Jameson Stocks, who has followed every chapter of the Duchess’s post-royal career, isn’t holding back. He’s long argued Meghan should “stick to acting.” But even he admits this latest career pivot might be her boldest, or most baffling yet.

In a no-holds-barred conversation, Stocks, who has cooked for King Charles, delivers his brutally honest verdict on Meghan’s Hollywood return, and it’s fair to say, he’s not serving up compliments and didn’t mince his words.

“I told her to stick to acting, but this? It’s no surprise,” he says.

“Honestly, it doesn’t surprise me; my instincts were spot on. Months ago, I advised her to stick to acting, and now here we are. Her performances over the past few years have surely positioned her well for an Oscar.”

There’s a flicker of irony in his tone, and he’s quick to clarify that the Duchess’s so-called ‘comeback’ may not be quite as triumphant as it sounds.

“But did she truly step away? That’s the real question. She wasn’t an A-lister or a lead in blockbuster films that raked in millions. She had a small part role in a drama, and that’s it.”

While many are calling Meghan’s return a Hollywood redemption story, Stocks remains unconvinced. For him, this return to the big screen isn’t about unfinished business in acting; it’s about staying in the headlines.

“Let’s be honest and frank. She’s received far more opportunities than the average hardworking person ever will, and in my opinion, more than her talent truly merits. There’s a saying: throw everything at the wall and see what sticks.”

The expert continued, “I imagine she’s had so many chances thrown her way that she’s accepted them without a clear, strategic plan. I genuinely believe she overestimated her popularity and assumed people would eagerly jump on board with her brand. Even her paid media supporters, who used to challenge me, have gone quiet over the past few months.”

“Netflix has also kept its distance. Similarly, her guests on the show have become noticeably reserved.”

Meghan may be betting on a Hollywood homecoming, but according to Stocks, the industry hasn’t forgotten the years of royal controversy, interviews, and polarising PR.

“Many people are not wanting to even be photographed with her because of negative publicity, the proof will be in the numbers the movie does.”

Some critics argue Meghan has blurred the line between celebrity and royalty beyond repair. When asked whether returning to acting undermines her royal dignity, Stocks doesn’t hesitate.

“I believe everyone harbours a touch of narcissism, and she has already proven her self-indulgence through the extensive paid media and orchestrated coverage of herself. Despite having an incredible opportunity with Netflix, she still managed to fail.”

When asked what advice he’d give the Duchess now, Stocks’s tone softens slightly – but his message remains firm.

“I had some sympathy when they left the Royal Family; the narrative was confusing.” “Not only has she altered the public perception of the Royal Family in a drastic way, but she has also capitalised on it, amassing wealth far beyond what she would have earned acting in a drama. She’ll never step away from the spotlight – I don’t think she could.”

He claimed she needs to drop her team, “Those advising her on such matters must also take responsibility. Until her show, I had never seen anything so bad on Netflix – how is that possible? How can somebody charge so much for ‘everyday’ things? She needs to get a grip and live on the same planet as everyone else.”

Whether Meghan’s Hollywood return proves to be a reinvention or a reputation risk remains to be seen. But for Jameson Stocks, one thing is certain – the Duchess’s latest act isn’t about artistry.

“It’s about attention,” he says. “And if there’s one thing Meghan Markle knows how to command – it’s that.”