Meghan Markle and Drew Barrymore on one stage. It was bound to be a bit chaotic. Honestly, when the Duchess of Sussex sat down for her first daytime talk show appearance in three years, nobody expected the host to bring up her sex life within the first five minutes.
But that’s Drew.
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She doesn't do "normal" interviews. She does the kind where she sits three inches from your face and calls you "hot." It’s basically her brand at this point.
The episode aired on March 6, 2025. It was supposed to be a standard promo stop for Meghan’s new Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan. Instead, it became a viral masterclass in awkward body language, deep-cut family secrets, and a name change that caught everyone off guard.
Why Meghan Markle on Drew Barrymore went viral instantly
The internet hasn't stopped talking about the "chemistry" comment. Drew Barrymore has this way of leaning in—literally—and she told Meghan that everyone who knows the couple says they are "so hot for each other."
Meghan actually blushed. She put her face in her hands. It was a rare, unscripted moment for a woman who is usually extremely poised.
"I'm very lucky," Meghan said, laughing it off. She called Harry "H" like she always does. But the conversation didn't stay on the surface. They dove into the "vow" Harry made when they first started dating.
Apparently, when Meghan was a college student babysitting in Ohio, a father told her: "I vow to always date my wife." She told Harry that story early on. He promised her the same thing.
That’s their secret. They still "date." Even with two kids and a massive global spotlight.
The name change nobody expected
One of the weirdest—or most significant—moments was the name. Drew introduced her as Meghan Sussex.
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Not Markle.
Not "The Duchess."
Just Sussex.
Meghan explained that she’s leaning into the family name because of Archie and Lilibet. "You have kids and you go, 'No, I share my name with my children,'" she told the audience. It’s about creating a unified "little family name."
Some critics called it a rebrand. Fans called it sweet. Regardless, seeing "Meghan Sussex" on the lower-third graphic felt like the definitive end of the "Markle" era.
The Princess Diana moment that changed the energy
Things got heavy when Drew pulled out a framed photo. It wasn't of Meghan. It was a 7-year-old Drew Barrymore meeting Princess Diana at the E.T. premiere in 1982.
You could hear a pin drop.
Drew called meeting Diana "the honor of my life." Meghan’s reaction was soft. She looked at the photo of her late mother-in-law and said, "I will tell H that for sure."
It was a delicate bridge between two women who have both lived under intense scrutiny. Drew, the child star who grew up in the tabloids, and Meghan, who married into the biggest tabloid target on earth.
Cooking, cookies, and "The Tig" 2.0
They didn't just talk about trauma and romance. They baked.
Meghan brought thumbprint cookies she allegedly made with Archie and Lili. Critics on TikTok, like Michael Pavano, had a field day with the "staged" feel of the cooking segment. People claimed the dough looked dry. Others said it was the most relatable she's ever been.
The whole appearance was designed to support her business. She’s moving away from being a "royal" and toward being a "female founder."
- The Show: With Love, Meghan on Netflix.
- The Brand: As Ever (formerly American Riviera Orchard).
- The Goal: Selling a California lifestyle that involves jam, bookmarks, and organic gardening.
She admitted that Harry loves watching her "scribble away" on her newsletters. It reminds him of when they first met and she was running The Tig.
What the body language experts saw
If you watch the clips, the physical distance is fascinating. Drew is a "toucher." She grabs arms. She sits on the floor.
Meghan was more "regal." She was warm, but she definitely held her space. At one point, she jokingly told Drew, "I hear you like to connect," while gently holding Drew's hand to keep her at a comfortable distance.
It was a subtle power move.
What you can learn from the "Sussex" rebrand
Meghan’s appearance wasn't just a talk show guest spot; it was a blueprint for a career pivot. She isn't trying to be a princess anymore. She’s trying to be Martha Stewart with a better backstory.
If you’re looking to apply some of this "Sussex energy" to your own life or brand, here’s the takeaway:
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1. Control the narrative of your name. Whether it’s a professional handle or a maiden name, you decide how people address you. Meghan choosing "Sussex" is a choice of unity over individual fame.
2. Lean into your "Butterfly Period."
Meghan talked about keeping the joy of the early dating days alive. In business or life, don't lose the "why" that started the spark.
3. Use your history, don't let it use you. Mentioning Diana or the Suits days (she revealed the show was originally called A Legal Mind) keeps her grounded in the past while she builds the future.
4. Quality over quantity. This was her first daytime interview in years. By staying away, she made the appearance an event.
To stay updated on the latest from the As Ever brand launch or the next episodes of With Love, Meghan, follow the official Archewell updates or check Netflix’s trending top ten. Keep an eye on the "Sussex" name—it’s likely here to stay on every label from jam jars to production credits.