The Duchess of Sussex has revealed why producing Cookie Queens became a deeply personal experience, saying motherhood transformed the way she connected with the documentary’s message about empowering young girls.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has said becoming a mother gave Cookie Queens an even deeper emotional significance.
Revealing the documentary about young Girl Scouts resonated with both her and her husband Prince Harry, 41, because it reflects the challenges and triumphs of raising confident young girls.
Meghan, 44, and Harry executive produced Cookie Queens, the first theatrical release from their Archewell Productions company, after deciding to support director Alysa Nahmias’ documentary during its earliest stages of development.
The film, which opens in cinemas on 7 August, follows a group of Girl Scouts as they navigate cookie season while developing leadership, confidence and resilience.
The project comes during a busy period for the Duchess of Sussex, following the continued expansion of her lifestyle brand As Ever, the success of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan and celebrations marking her 45th birthday on 4 August, when she shared photographs from her family home thanking supporters “for the birthday love”.
Speaking to People, Meghan explained why she and Harry committed themselves to the cookies movie project.
She said: “When we first saw the teaser several years ago, it was just a few minutes in length and still being put together, but it was very clear that Alysa’s vision as a director was capturing something special.
“The music, the cinematography, the honesty. It made both of us laugh out loud and also feel such emotion as parents. We knew we wanted to help uplift this project in any way we could.”
The documentary follows several Girl Scouts as they prepare for cookie season while confronting the pressures of childhood alongside moments of achievement and personal growth.
Discussing that balance, Meghan said: “It’s vital to show both sides because that’s what makes it relatable.
“Every girl, every family can see a part of themselves in one of these girls’ stories.”
Asked whether the film carried greater meaning because she and Harry are raising their children Princess Lilibet, five, and Prince Archie, seven, Meghan replied: “100 percent.”
She added one scene from the film in particular affects her every time she watches it.
Meghan said: “I don’t want to give anything away, but there’s a very special moment when one of the girls accomplishes something she never thought possible.
“I get misty-eyed every time I watch that scene. She did it! I feel so proud of her.”
Working on the documentary also reminded Meghan of her own childhood experiences as a Girl Scout. Her mother, Doria Ragland, served as her troop leader, and she said revisiting that world brought back “great memories”.
She also recalled an unexpected encounter when dropping Lilibet at preschool.
Meghan said: “Funny enough, on Lili’s first day of pre-K, one of the moms came up to me at drop-off, and I realized we were in our troop together!
“It was so sweet and nostalgic.”
Reflecting on the wider message of the film, Meghan said: “These girls are our future leaders and amazing role models.
“Showing young female entrepreneurs, girls with financial literacy, skills that will set them up for future success, and learning how to work to achieve their goals is so inspiring.”
Director Alysa Nahmias also spoke about the support she received from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
She told People: “We have an awesome executive producing team with so many people who are generous, supportive, successful in their own industries – and Meghan is one of them.
“We’re proud to have her and Prince Harry shining a light on these girls’ voices.”
One of the documentary’s young participants, nine-year-old Nikki, also described meeting Meghan during the film’s premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.
Nikki said: “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is really happening.’
“We had a really, really awesome chat and I gave her a really big hug. It really meant a lot.”
The release of Cookie Queens marks Archewell Productions’ first theatrical film after the company’s previous documentary and streaming projects.
It also continues Meghan’s growing involvement in lifestyle and media ventures following her acting career in Suits, with the Duchess increasingly focusing on projects centred on community, family and female empowerment alongside Harry’s charitable work through the Archewell Foundation.
Meghan Markle opens up about emotions over Cookie Queens film
