*Meghan Markle will not be giving thanks for her latest unofficial title.*
The former Suits star, 44, has found herself rebranded by online critics as “Salmonella Sussex”—a name that erupted after a Thanksgiving turkey-prep video revealed what many are calling a basic hygiene misstep.
In the short Instagram clip, Markle seasons a raw turkey in a roasting tray, massaging it with different spices and finishing it off with lemon zest. She captioned the post with lighthearted humor, writing:
“Let the ‘game’ begin 🦃 Get it? #momjoke,”
The clip plays over Bob Dylan’s “Turkey Chase,” specifically the instrumental titled “Turkey Chase.”
But while the caption landed as intended, her jewelry did not. Viewers quickly pointed out that her rings and bracelets stayed on throughout the entire raw poultry preparation process—triggering a wave of comments that turned far spicier than her seasoning blend.
“Meghan, what in the ‘Salmonella Sussex’ is going on here?!” one person fired off on X.
Another warned, “I don’t know anyone who wears their rings and bracelets when handling food. Especially a turkey. Guaranteed spread of bacteria.”
Others echoed the disgust:
“Oh my God that’s actually disgusting. I didn’t even notice until you pointed that out.”
“It makes me feel queasy when I see people cooking with their jewelery on. Ick.”
“She’s spreading bacteria all over everything she touched as well. Poultry has to be handled carefully and washing hands a lot to avoid cross contamination. Good grief.”
And then came the sharper jabs at her kitchen credibility:
“So gross, and it’s basic food handling knowledge. Proof she has no idea what she’s doing.”
“Proof she has no idea what she’s doing”—a line that’s been repeated enough now to be practically engraved on the internet, even if not stamped in gold under a royal cypher.
Thanksgiving Message From the Heart
Despite the uproar over the turkey clip, Meghan’s warm holiday sentiments told a very different story.
Ahead of Thanksgiving, she issued a family greeting through a newsletter for her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The Duchess opened with:
“From my family to yours, wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!”
She then shared a deeply personal reflection on gratitude, appreciation for her community, and the emotional weight of being welcomed into people’s homes:
“I am so thankful for your support and warmth as we’ve grown As Ever throughout the year, and the way in which you’ve invited this collection to be a part of your home.”
Meghan described everyday moments that now quietly connect her brand to families around the world—small routines that carry big emotional meaning:
“Being able to play a small role in your memories, family moments, special celebrations, and daily routines is not lost on me — from the jam you layer onto morning toast or slather onto PB&J for your kids’ lunchboxes; the honey you stir into your tea; the candle you light to welcome the day or to close it out with a cozy bath; the bottle of bubbles you pop to celebrate; or the wine you sip as you toast your loved ones — you’ve invited us in.”
She continued by emphasizing that even the chaos of hosting holds its own brand of meaning, especially through the lens of family:
“Please know that as I look around my home and see my husband and children, family, dear friends (and also navigate the timing on the turkey and the love and layers that come with hostessing) — I feel grateful.”
Not the First Kitchen Critique, Probably Not the Last
It remains uncertain whether Meghan expected to spark conversations about cross contamination during the season of togetherness—but the internet remains predictably unpredictable.
And while poultry experts may not be endorsing her glove-free, ring-on prep technique, no one can take the seasoning off her newsletter’s message: gratitude, warmth, and the intentional celebration of love in everyday life.
Kindness or criticism, spice or scrutiny, memory or memoir—the holiday spotlight may shift fast, but the sentiment at the core of her words stays exactly where she placed it: at home, surrounded by family, gratitude, and frilled sleeves.
