Royal Showdown: Meghan's Festive Netflix Announcement vs. Kate’s Christmas Traditions
The Royal Ruckus: Meghan Markle Accused of Copying Kate Middleton with Christmas Special
In a move that's left royal fans abuzz, Duchess Meghan Markle has announced plans for a Christmas special on her lifestyle show "With Love, Meghan," sparking accusations that she's attempting to one-up Princess Kate Middleton.
The drama began when it was revealed that the second season of Meghan's Netflix series will feature a festive holiday episode, titled "With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration." The program is set to air in December, and fans are already speculating about whether it will clash with Kate's annual Christmas carol service, "Royal Carols: Together At Christmas," which typically airs on ITV1 on December 24.
"I mean, anything to compete with Catherine!" wrote one fan on social media. "A December holiday special? Good grief, is there NOTHING Meghan won't attempt to do better than Catherine, Princess of Wales - and fail MISERABLY at?"
Others expressed concern that the two productions might have overlapping release dates, leading to a scheduling conflict. "Meghan's 'Christmas Special' may clash with the Princess of Wales' 'Together at Christmas' concert! Oh I am in no doubts that Meghan would push for that date specifically!" exclaimed one concerned viewer.
When asked about the allegations of copying Kate, a spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex maintained that the holiday special was simply a new and exciting addition to the show's second season. "This December, join Meghan in Montecito for a magical holiday celebration," the statement read, referencing the California town where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reside with their two young children.
However, not everyone is convinced by Meghan's explanation. Mark Borkowski, a leading publicist, told The Scholarly Note: "They've shot the golden goose of 2020 - more of a 'we'll call you' than 'here's the chequebook.' It's a first-look deal, which means Netflix gets first dibs but no obligation to bankroll every semi-royal whim. I reckon Netflix is trimming fat industry-wide, so this is less carte blanche, more curated cameo."
Borkowski's comments come as part of a broader conversation about the Sussexes' new deal with Netflix. According to sources close to the matter, the couple has signed a multi-year agreement that will see them produce content for the streaming giant in exchange for a reduced upfront payment. This move is seen by some as a significant departure from their previous contract, which was reportedly worth $100 million.
While Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, and her Netflix shows have garnered some attention, they haven't quite lived up to expectations. With Love, Meghan failed to break into Netflix's top ten programs, ranking at number 383 in 2025 with just 5.3 million viewers worldwide.
However, the Duchess remains optimistic about the future of her partnership with Netflix. "We're proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand," she said in a statement. "My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision."
For her part, Kate Middleton has remained focused on her charitable endeavors, including her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. Last year's event was a particularly special one for the Princess of Wales, who made a heartfelt appearance alongside her husband Prince William and their three young children.
As the holiday season approaches, fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on both Meghan's and Kate's respective projects. Whether or not they will overlap remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this royal ruckus has only just begun!