Interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has offered advice to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, suggesting she adopt a more down-to-earth approach to integrate with locals in her Cotswolds residence. Llewelyn-Bowen, a long-term resident of the area, believes Markle could enhance her popularity by emulating the relatable lifestyle of Kate Middleton.
"We're very down and dirty here," Llewelyn-Bowen stated, implying that the British way of life, particularly in rural areas, differs significantly from the one Markle may be accustomed to. He contrasted the Royals' public perception with that of Hollywood A-listers, noting that while Prince William and Kate Middleton lead a comfortable life, it lacks the ostentatious opulence sometimes associated with celebrities. Their routine, he explained, includes ordinary activities like taking children to school and sporting events.
Llewelyn-Bowen suggested that Prince Harry, whom he described as "genuine" and popular for his "banter," seems to desire a similar ordinary lifestyle. He advised Meghan to "lean into that and relax a bit, enjoy it and let us appreciate her for who she actually is." He recalled Harry's youth at Highgrove, remembering him queuing for takeaways or appearing hungover at a local supermarket on Sunday mornings.
He further elaborated on the British public's relationship with celebrities, noting that many feel a sense of ownership, partly due to media consumption. Unlike in America, where celebrities are often placed on a pedestal, the British public tends to be less sycophantic and expects public figures to remain part of society. He cited examples of well-known figures like Jeremy Clarkson and Nigella Lawson being seen in everyday settings.
"When Kate is talking to people, she's actually really interested in what they are saying," Llewelyn-Bowen observed. He characterized her interactions as special, with her attention fixed on the individual, contributing to a "new royal mystique" that emphasizes relatability over distance.
Llewelyn-Bowen also touched upon the couple's potential reasons for returning to the UK, citing Harry's desire to reconnect with his British heritage and provide his children with a sense of identity and connection to their British family history. He acknowledged Harry's challenging childhood, including the loss of his mother, and suggested that the move could be an effort to ensure his own children do not face similar difficulties. The proximity to King Charles, especially given the monarch's recent cancer diagnosis, was also noted as a factor.
Previously, Llewelyn-Bowen had described Meghan as "The Duchess Of Beige" and expressed a hope that the couple would embrace more color in their Cotswolds home, contrasting the area's historically vibrant architecture with a perceived current preference for muted tones. He also mentioned being intrigued by Markle's "wildflower sprinkles" for her As Ever business enterprise and suggested a potential collaboration with Lady Bamford of Daylesford, a prominent figure in the area.
Llewelyn-Bowen extended an invitation for afternoon tea, describing his part of the Cotswolds as "posh" but with a "naughty" Jilly Cooper-esque vibe.