Meghan Markle's defiant response after Thomas Markle's scathing review of her Netflix show

The Duchess's father, Thomas Markle, recently issued brutal criticism of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. But she has risen above it with a telling post shared on Instagram

Meghan Markle has faced a great deal of criticism following the release of her Netflix lifestyle series - including some harsh words from her estranged father. But she has remained defiant in the wake of Thomas Markle's review, taking to Instagram to issue a telling message.

Thomas, who is no longer in contact with his daughter, recently shared his critique of With Love, Meghan with the Mail, saying: "Unfortunately Meghan has never been authentic. She has to think about everything. She's not spontaneous."

He continued: "Everything she says is pre-planned and rehearsed. It makes me laugh because I know all her looks and expressions. I know when she's faking it for the cameras. She's trying so hard to be perfect that she tenses up every time the camera is on her."

His brutal assessment was one of several disparaging reviews for the eight-part series, but Meghan has risen above the negativity. Taking to her Instagram stories, she posted videos made by her viewers as they followed the recipes shown in the show.

Meghan wrote: "Love seeing how inspired you are by With Love, Meghan. Keep up the beautiful work!" The first season of With Love, Meghan dropped on Netflix on Tuesday last week.

And on Friday, the streaming service revealed that - despite being panned by critics - the show has already been renewed for a second season. It was further confirmed that episodes for the follow-up series have already been taped, and will be available to watch later this year.

Netflix announced the news via its TuDum website, saying, "Don’t put away your flower sprinkles just yet—With Love, Meghan will be back for Season 2." Tellingly, the announcement added, "And now, there's more joy to be shared as With Love, Meghan returns later this fall. The second season has completed filming."

It means that Netflix planned to release a second season of the show whether it performed well both in terms of critical response and streaming consumption. The show has been widely slammed by TV fans who have branded it "bland" and it has been panned by critics.

The season two announcement added: "For those looking to try some of Meghan and her guests’ favorite recipes and crafts at home, check out our collection of some of the show’s how-tos. Plus, now you can use products personally developed by Meghan for her lifestyle brand, As ever. Launching this spring, it showcases a collection of items like the aforementioned flower sprinkles, teas, and baking mixes that will change seasonally."

And Meghan herself has promoted the new season via her Instagram page. Posing in a cap with the words "Lettuce, romaine, calm," written across the front and "With Love, Meghan, Season 2" on the back. She added a caption stating: "Lettuce remain calm... or not(!) because I'm thrilled to share that Season 2 of With Love, Meghan is coming!"