The holiday season may be merry for the royals—but behind the sparkle, tension is brewing between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, according to a royal insider.
After debuting her new Netflix Christmas special, With Love, just days before Kate’s dazzling Together at Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey, Meghan is reportedly grappling with an image problem she can’t seem to shake.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Mirror that Meghan’s efforts to replicate Kate’s effortless appeal may be falling flat. “Meghan is quietly struggling to capture some of the magic that Kate exudes so naturally,” he said. “Her show feels like a burst of relentless positivity that becomes exhausting to watch. It’s as if she’s trying to be a Californian Mary Poppins—perfect in every way—but without the warmth or authenticity that Kate projects.”
The With Love holiday episode features cooking demos, DIY wreath-making, a Prince Harry cameo, and appearances by celebrity friends like Naomi Osaka. Despite hitting Netflix’s Top 10 within a day of release, critics were harsh—many calling it “bizarre,” “forced,” and “a little bit sad.” British outlets gave it one or two stars, while social media reactions were sharply divided between loyal fans and disillusioned viewers.
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Fitzwilliams believes this might mark the final chapter for Meghan’s Netflix series. “Given her scaled-back Netflix deal, she needed a blockbuster guest to draw buzz,” he said. “While Naomi Osaka is huge in tennis, she doesn’t move the needle for general audiences. If people have to Google your guests, that’s not a good sign.”
The show’s release timing also stirred controversy—it premiered the same day King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a state visit, and just before Kate’s carol concert, which featured readings by Prince William and Kate Winslet, and music from Katie Melua and Griff.
Observers point to a recurring pattern: major Sussex announcements often coincide with Windsor family milestones. “We’ve seen it time and again,” Fitzwilliams said. “From the Megxit statement on the eve of Kate’s 38th birthday, to Harry releasing Spare while Charles was on tour—there’s always overlap.”
Adding to the tension, reports surfaced just one day after Meghan’s special aired that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., 81, was in critical condition in a Philippine hospital following emergency surgery and a leg amputation. Insiders say Meghan has reached out to him for the first time in years.
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Fitzwilliams says the timing couldn’t have been worse. “It’s jarring to see Meghan on TV talking about love and family while her father’s fighting for his life. This could force her and Harry to rethink their entire public strategy.”
As Kate’s star continues to shine with public goodwill, Meghan’s future in streaming and public life may depend on whether she can rebuild authenticity—and distance herself from the constant royal comparison.
