Netflix Shake Hands With Lily Collin SHADE Meg With Kate Middleton Reference In S4 Of Emily In Paris

In a move that has stirred considerable buzz and controversy, Netflix seems to have taken a veiled jab at Meghan Markle through a character in the hit series Emily in Paris. The third season of the popular show, which premiered in December 2022, features a new character, Sophie Deler, who bears a striking resemblance to Catherine, the Princess of Wales. The parallels between Sophie’s storyline and Meghan Markle’s publicized struggles with royal life have led many to speculate that Netflix might be using the show to settle scores with the Duchess of Sussex.

The Character of Sophie Deler: A Thinly Veiled Reference?

Sophie Deler, introduced in the third season of Emily in Paris, is depicted as a glamorous British socialite and a member of high society. Viewers quickly noted that Sophie’s physical resemblance to Catherine, Princess of Wales, is uncanny. From her classic English Rose looks to her refined demeanor, the character appears to be a deliberate nod to the Princess.

Sophie’s storyline includes several elements that seem to parallel Meghan Markle’s experiences and criticisms of royal life. In one episode, Sophie attends an extravagant party at the Palace of Versailles but is notably excluded from a private dinner hosted by the royal family. This scenario mirrors Meghan and Prince Harry’s exclusion from certain royal events, drawing a clear parallel between the character’s experiences and those of the Sussexes.

Additionally, Sophie struggles to adjust to life in Paris, lamenting the loss of the simplicity and comfort of her previous life in London. This mirrors Meghan’s own public comments about the difficulties she faced adjusting to royal life and the constraints she felt within the institution. The most overt reference comes when Sophie confides in Emily about considering giving up her royal title and moving to California, stating, “I just want to be free.” This line echoes Meghan’s infamous Oprah interview, where she discussed her desire for freedom and independence from the royal family.

Intentional or Coincidental?

The addition of Sophie Deler was not part of the original source material for Emily in Paris, which is based on Darren Star’s 2010 novel of the same name. Her character’s introduction in the show’s third season appears to be a deliberate choice, leading many to speculate about Netflix’s intentions. The timing of her introduction, shortly after Meghan and Harry’s high-profile Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, which portrayed an unflattering view of the royal family, adds weight to these suspicions.

Royal commentator Beatrice Verhoeven suggests that Sophie Deler is intended as a stand-in for Catherine. “The similarities are just too obvious to ignore,” Verhoeven notes, emphasizing that the character’s storyline closely mirrors Meghan’s experiences. This has led to theories that Netflix is using Emily in Paris to send a message aligning with the royal family’s perspective and to subtly criticize Meghan Markle.

The Impact on Netflix and Meghan Markle

Netflix has a vested interest in maintaining a positive relationship with the British royal family, as royal-themed programming like The Crown is a significant draw for subscribers. By introducing Sophie and her storyline, Netflix may be signaling support for the royal family while undermining Meghan’s portrayal in the public eye.

However, this apparent jab at Meghan Markle has sparked considerable backlash. Critics argue that the character of Sophie reinforces outdated stereotypes and perpetuates harmful narratives about the Duchess. Feminist writer Caitlyn Moran notes that Sophie’s portrayal—docile, loyal, and entirely devoted to her royal duties—represents a regressive view of womanhood, one that contrasts sharply with Meghan’s more modern, independent image.

Royal blogger Samantha Hollander argues that the show’s depiction of Meghan is another example of how she is demonized in the media. “It’s really quite disappointing to see,” Hollander comments, suggesting that even fictional portrayals contribute to the ongoing vilification of Meghan Markle.

Viewer Reactions and Potential Backlash

The response to Sophie Deler’s character has been mixed. Some viewers see her as a symbol of the “ideal” royal, contrasting sharply with Meghan’s perceived shortcomings. “She’s the embodiment of the perfect princess that the palace wants the world to see,” one Twitter user remarked. Others view the portrayal as a blatant attempt to mock Meghan Markle, with some even dubbing Sophie the “anti-Meghan.”

This controversy raises concerns about Netflix’s approach. Media analyst Trisha Gilbride warns that the backlash could damage the streaming platform’s reputation. “Netflix may think they’re being clever,” Gilbride observes, “but this kind of publicity might not be what they really want.” Meghan Markle’s supporters are likely to react strongly against what they perceive as an unfair portrayal, potentially impacting Netflix’s viewer base and public image.

Netflix’s decision to introduce a character like Sophie Deler in Emily in Paris has sparked intense debate and controversy. Whether intentional or not, the parallels between Sophie’s storyline and Meghan Markle’s experiences suggest that the streaming giant may be using the show to send a subtle, yet pointed, message. The backlash from viewers and critics alike highlights the sensitive nature of royal portrayals and the complexities of public sentiment.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect Netflix’s reputation and its relationship with both the royal family and its audience. One thing is clear: the depiction of Sophie Deler has struck a chord, stirring up discussions about royal representation, media bias, and the ongoing scrutiny faced by Meghan Markle.