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Meghan Markle is getting ready to spread some holiday cheer with the help of Netflix — but not everyone’s convinced.
On Dec. 3, the Duchess of Sussex will premiere a festive special of her Netflix lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration.” The 44-year-old is seen decorating, crafting and cooking alongside guests like tennis champion Naomi Osaka, “Top Chef” judge Tom Colicchio and author-producer Lindsay Roth, among others.
“I believe Meghan aspires to be the new American royalty,” British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. “However, although amusing, I can’t believe the American people take this seriously.”
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The Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix special, “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration,” premieres Dec. 3, 2025. (Netflix)
“Meghan seems to be living her best life as a fictional, boho-style princess and wannabe lifestyle guru,” Chard claimed.
“Her new holiday show no doubt spotlights Meghan and how special she is — welcoming her loved ones and making them feel comfortable. However, it makes many here in the U.K. uneasy that, at a time when friends, family and giving are most important, she’s highlighting her own estrangement [from the royal family].”
“With Love, Meghan” first premiered on March 4, 2025. (Netflix)
The former American actress became a member of the British royal family when she married Prince Harry in 2018. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020, citing intense media intrusion and a lack of support from the palace. That same year, they moved to the wealthy coastal city of Montecito, California.
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In their effort to be financially independent, the couple signed a five-year, $100 million deal with Netflix. Their five-part docuseries, “Harry & Meghan,” detailed their struggles with royal life and offered an intimate look into their new life.
While the mother of two continues building her lifestyle brand in California, some experts argue she still holds her duchess title — even as she pursues projects not tied to royal duties.
Meghan Markle’s lifestyle series paints a rosy picture of domestic life as she cooks meals, bakes cakes, keeps bees, arranges flowers and decorates doughnuts. (Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images)
“This looks like a deliberate attempt to forge an American lifestyle ‘princess’ brand,” British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital. “The royal family won’t comment — they’ll simply ignore it. But this commercialization will likely further irritate Prince William [heir to the throne].”
“With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration” features special guest Naomi Osaka (right). (Netflix)
“It comes across much more like an ad than the duty-focused royal message found in Princess Catherine’s faith-based carol service or the king’s holiday address,” Fordwich said. “Those events focus on national unity and public service.”
The premiere of Meghan’s holiday special comes just days before Kate Middleton hosts her fifth annual “Together at Christmas” carol service on Dec. 5 at Westminster Abbey in London.
“Together at Christmas” goes out on ITV1 and ITVX in the U.K. on Christmas Eve. It re-airs Christmas morning. (Aaron Chown – Pool/Getty Images)
The Princess of Wales launched the “Together at Christmas” carol service in 2021 to honor those who went “above and beyond for others” during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Prince and Princess of Wales take part in “Together at Christmas” on Dec. 8, 2021, in London. The event is supported by The Royal Foundation. (Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The event has since focused on individuals serving their communities across the U.K. This year, the princess aims to thank those “acting with love in their communities and contributing to a more cohesive, connected society.” The theme for this year’s event is “love in all its forms.”
Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet will attend as an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, one of King Charles’ personal charities.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex joins in making Christmas decorations during her visit to the Royal Variety Charity’s residential nursing and care home, Brinsworth House in Twickenham, southwest London on Dec. 18, 2018. (Geoff Pugh/AFP via Getty Images)
Chard insists that Meghan’s messaging stands in stark contrast to what senior royals like the Princess of Wales aim to share across the pond.
Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the “Together At Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 8, 2023, in London. (Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images)
“Meghan does not live a life of service,” Chard said. “Her holiday show can’t be compared to the British royal family’s work. Princess Catherine’s concert brings together 1,600 guests who have shown love and kindness within their communities. King Charles’ heartfelt Christmas broadcasts are messages of service and hope — very different from Meghan’s holiday show.”
“If Meghan creates public change … we would root for Meghan,” Chard said. “But Meghan’s holiday show will not be on the British royal family’s radar.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend the Christmas service at Church of St. Mary Magdalene on Dec. 25, 2017 in King’s Lynn, England. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Despite their royal exit, Harry and Meghan still hold their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as noted on the royal family’s website. They agreed not to use their “His/Her Royal Highness” styling for any public or commercial ventures.
Meghan Markle’s lifestyle products from her brand As Ever are featured in her Netflix series. (Netflix)
These days, Meghan seems to be focused on building her personal brand rather than returning to royal duties.
The Sun recently reported that Meghan was spotted on the set of the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film “Close Personal Friends,” in which she’s expected to play herself. The movie stars Brie Larson, Lily Collins and Jack Quaid.
Meghan Markle is seen here attending the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Oct. 4, 2025. (Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Balenciaga)
Fox News Digital reached out to Archewell for comment at the time of the announcement. An insider told People magazine, “She has a small part.”
Tom Colicchio, head judge on Bravo’s cooking competition show “Top Chef,” made an appearance on “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration.” (Netflix)
Meghan launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in February, followed by the series in March. The holiday special marks the latest project since the couple extended their Netflix partnership through Archewell Productions.
During a Fortune panel earlier this year, Meghan was asked whether there would be a third season of her show, People magazine reported. The “Suits” alum replied, “Well, the holiday special is coming out in November. It’s a really good one.”
Meghan Markle launched her lifestyle brand and series in 2025. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
“So I think looking at that format — again, it’s a year of learns — we’re able to say, ‘Eight episodes for two seasons — it’s a lot of work,’” she said.
Alyson Shontell, editor-in-chief and chief content officer for Fortune and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speak onstage during Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit 2025 at Salamander Hotel on Oct. 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Fortune Media)
“And having done ‘Suits’ for seven years, I remember what goes into a production. I also recognize how much people want content in different sizes. Part of what we’re testing out now is, it’s amazing to sit and watch a show for 30 minutes, but how can I give you a recipe in two minutes? And where can I share that with you? And how that continues to grow As Ever.”
People magazine reported that Meghan’s lifestyle brand has also launched a holiday collection, with several products featured in the special’s trailer.
King Charles III decorates a Christmas tree during The King’s Foundation’s annual ‘Crafts at Christmas’ at Highgrove Gardens on Dec. 13, 2024, in Tetbury, England. The King’s Foundation is a charitable organization established by the monarch when he was the Prince of Wales in 1990. The foundation’s mission is to foster and strengthen community. (Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images)
“This December, join Meghan in Montecito for a magical holiday celebration,” read a statement from Archewell to the outlet.
“With Love, Meghan” is filmed in California. (Netflix)
“Together, friends and family deck the halls, create holiday feasts, craft heartfelt gifts, and share lots of laughs — with simple how-tos to follow at home. It’s a holiday wonder with warmth, tradition, and a generous dose of joy.”
Kinsey Schofield, host of YouTube’s “Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered,” previously told Fox News Digital that the royals had no plans to stream Season 2 of “With Love, Meghan,” which premiered Aug. 26.
After her royal exit, Meghan Markle is focused on leading a business empire in California. (Samir Hussein/Getty Images)
“… It poses no impact on the core four: King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales,” Schofield said.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been raising their two young children in California. (Toby Melville/Getty Images)
“… When it comes to something as trivial as Meghan Markle making bath salts, the royals have far bigger priorities. … They won’t lose any sleep over the prospect of ‘With Love, Meghan.’ It won’t be on their calendars, and they certainly won’t be making her pasta or bath salts.”