When Meghan Markle took the stage at the Time100 Summit earlier this month, no one expected the conversation to turn to edible flower petals.
Yet, here we are, discussing her decision to sprinkle dried blossoms on her scrambled eggs. While I’m not sure I’ll ever make the time to add flowers to my breakfast, I can’t deny that the dish looked visually appealing.
“It’s like a little fairy,” Meghan said, sharing how she started casually adding petals to everything – from salads to yogurt parfaits and even eggs. “The level of charm that people experience when they see these tiny dried petals is something I can’t fully understand, but I love that there’s an appreciation for the little details that bring joy.”
Meghan’s point is simple: small, effortless gestures can add magic to our everyday lives. Who doesn’t want a little extra charm in their routine, especially right now?
However, the internet’s response wasn’t as enchanted by the idea of petals on eggs. Soon after, social media was flooded with images of takeout containers and cocktails “enhanced” with wilted daisies or brightly colored sugar flowers.
One post featured a fish and chips plate covered in petals, with the caption, “Who needs ketchup when you can have a handful of potpourri?”
Some of the reactions were humorous, others harsh, and most predictable. These days, it seems like anything Meghan does or says – whether it’s about politics, parenting, or food – will spark some kind of reaction.
But the question still stands: Why does Meghan Markle sprinkling flower petals cause such frustration?
One argument is that flower sprinkles seem a bit frivolous. They are often used on Instagram as a way to present a perfectly curated life, where even the ice cubes look beautiful. Meghan’s Netflix series, *With Love, Meghan*, fits into that dreamy, highly curated world, which is all about aspiration and beauty. That’s the point of it.
But if celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow can sell pricey wellness products and Martha Stewart can teach us to fold napkins without causing mass outrage, why does Meghan’s flower petal trend ignite such strong feelings?
Perhaps it’s because, as Meghan herself mentioned, the petals aren’t just about food – they symbolize tiny moments of joy and adding a touch of magic to everyday experiences. For some, this might feel genuine and charming, while for others, it might come across as out-of-touch.
The backlash isn’t really about the petals themselves but about Meghan’s complicated and divisive public persona. This is the same reason why a simple announcement about her new jam line, *As Ever*, becomes global news or why her softly filmed cooking show gets so much attention. And as a side note, Meghan’s $30 *As Ever* petals sold out quickly, showing that she’s not the only one enjoying a bit of floral magic.
Meghan, for her part, seems unfazed by the controversy. Perhaps this is the real source of irritation – Meghan continues to live joyfully, creating and sharing her passions, without bending under pressure to disappear or apologize for simply being herself. She won’t stop being ambitious or playful, and that, it seems, riles some people up.
As for the petals? While I’m not rushing to cover my eggs in dried nasturtiums, if a few edible flowers bring a little extra joy to someone’s morning, who are we to say otherwise?
