Meet the Woman Meghan Markle's New Show Ripped Off

The Unconventional Elegance of Emma, Marchioness of Bath Highlights the Far Fall of the Duchess of Sussex

In the world of British aristocracy, where tradition reigns supreme and deviation is often met with a raised eyebrow, Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath, has proven to be a breath of fresh air. Her name has been brought to the forefront once again after the trailer for Meghan Markle's new cooking show, With Love, Meghan, released this week in a very similar style to The Marchioness of Bath.

Born Emma McQuiston, she entered the history books in 2013 when she married Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath, becoming the first Black marchioness in British history. Her ascension to this role has been far from conventional, and yet, it is precisely this blend of tradition and trailblazing that makes her story so compelling.

Emma is the daughter of Nigerian oil magnate Ladi Jadesimi and British socialite Suzanna McQuiston and she grew up straddling these two cultures. Her education at prestigious schools and her background in art history provided her with a polished foundation, but she still never shied away from embracing her unique heritage. This duality—rooted in tradition yet embracing modernity—would later define her role as Marchioness of Bath.

Unlike the stereotypical image of a British aristocrat—stoic, reserved, and cloaked in centuries of tradition—Emma radiates a different warmth and approachability that feels almost revolutionary, one that Meghan Markle has spoken of aiming for in her Netflix series Harry and Meghan. Emma, however, proved that she is a woman who can glide effortlessly between hosting grand events at Longleat House, the historic family estate, and engaging in contemporary discussions about race, identity, and representation without throwing British culture to the wolves or calling herself a victim.

Emma’s approach to her role has been anything but ordinary and yet she's deeply faithful to her duty and calling. While she respects the weight of her responsibilities—overseeing the sprawling Longleat estate and its famous safari park—she has also sought to modernize what it means to be a member of the British aristocracy. From her early days as a fashion editor to her stint on Strictly Come Dancing, Emma has shown that being a marchioness doesn’t mean being confined to a gilded cage, as Meghan Markle has reasoned.

Her fashion sense alone speaks volumes about this philosophy. Emma’s style is a masterclass in combining classical elegance with contemporary flair-- whether she’s wearing a tailored Alexander McQueen suit or a flowing gown by a lesser-known designer, she brings the elegance principle of Symmetry to every ensemble. In many ways, her sartorial choices mirror her broader life philosophy: a seamless blend of old and new that's rooted in respect-- a great example of Classical femininity!

Although she's received much less media attention than the mixed-race matrimony of Harry and Meghan, Emma’s journey to marchioness has not been without its challenges. Her marriage to Ceawlin Thynn sparked controversy, not least because of her mixed-race heritage. She has spoken candidly about the difficulties she faced entering an aristocratic family. Yet, Emma has faced these challenges with an admirable grace. Rather than allowing herself to be defined by others’ prejudices, she has used her platform to advocate for greater conversations around the topic. Her very presence in the British aristocracy is a quiet yet powerful statement—proof that tradition and progress can be hand in hand.

In stark contrast, we see the downfall of Meghan Markle, who similarly entered the aristocracy as a trailblazer but has since fallen to be awarded the "Biggest Loser in Hollywood" and "Most Hated 2024 Celebrity" status. Like Emma, Meghan brought a fresh perspective and represented progress within the royal family. But where Emma’s approach has been marked by humility, grace, and a genuine respect for tradition, Meghan adopted a more combative and victimhood stance by prioritizing personal issues over collective responsibility.

Meghan's criticism of British culture, traditions and media has earned her widespread reputation for divisiveness and victimhood. Emma’s success, instead, lies in her ability to navigate challenges with quiet dignity, instead of Meghan’s choices that have put her at odds with the very institution she sought to modernize. Now, Meghan is pushing the very aesthetic Emma created on her new show, one that is relatively generic but rooted in florals and pastels.

Emma has been featured on the Longleat YouTube channel where she cooks a series called, Emma's Kitchen, which features the estate's Victorian kitchen as a way to draw attention to the historic legacy of the grounds she keeps. Her cookbooks, videos, and insights are original and inspirational, while Meghan's cooking ventures have been criticized to be self-serving and unoriginal.

As the Marchioness of Bath, Emma is more than a figurehead; she is a steward of a legacy, a mother, a wife, and a trailblazer. She has expressed her desire to make Longleat not just a historic estate, but a vibrant, modern hub for art, culture, and education. Her vision for the future is one that bridges the gap between the past and the present by creating something enduring and meaningful--a perfect example of the Elegance principle of Sustainability.

Moreso, Emma’s story is a reminder that elegance is not about adhering to rigid rules or outdated traditions, but rather in creating a unique personal brand that honors your values, even when navigating life’s challenges with grace and resilience. In many ways, she embodies the classical femininity we celebrate here—a timeless beauty rooted in strength, and purpose.

In 2022 Meghan Markle revealed that a recent DNA test proved her to be 43% Nigerian, making her even more like Emma than before. The two women have had very similar experiences and backgrounds, and I hope this new interest in Emma, prompted by Meghan's new show, gives The Marchioness of Bath a well-deserved spotlight.

Learn more about the work of Emma, Marchioness of Bath, here.