The Duchess of Sussex's highly anticipated festive special for Netflix has been met with a wave of harsh criticism from television reviewers across the UK's major newspapers. The one-hour programme, which premiered on the streaming platform just days ago, features Meghan Markle engaging in Christmas crafts and cooking with celebrity guests.
A Festive Flop: The Critical Verdict
Despite some positive reactions from fans on social media, the critical reception has been overwhelmingly negative. Several prominent publications awarded the special just one star, with reviewers using terms like "pointless", "unfathomable", and "quite mad and a little bit sad" to describe the content.
In a biting review for The Times, critic Hilary Rose questioned the programme's premise, summarising it as: "four pointless crafts, three random ‘friends’, two unseen kids, one English prince and a duchess in a pear tree". Rose added that parts of the show, including the Duchess discussing quiche Lorraine, felt like a "fever dream".
One-Star Reviews Across the Board
The Telegraph's Arts and Entertainment Editor, Anita Singh, echoed the sentiment in her one-star assessment. She stated that "Meghan, as ever, tries way too hard", concluding that the final product was both "mad" and "sad".
The Independent was equally unimpressed, with writer Hannah Ewens labelling the episode a "predictably insipid festive special". Ewens suggested it felt more like background "white noise" than substantive programming, adding that it failed to be informative, fun, enjoyable, or even aspirational for its audience.
While The Guardian offered a slightly more generous two-star rating, critic Lucy Mangan's review was scarcely less critical. She advised British viewers to "take as many anti-emetics as medically advisable" before watching, joking that she felt "both offended and harmed" by the experience.
Awkwardness and a 'Beige Wash'
The Daily Mail delivered one of the most scathing critiques, describing the special as a "sad, self-indulgent, cringey wash of beige". The publication specifically criticised Meghan's attempts to appear relatable and highlighted the "thoroughly awkward" interactions between the Duchess and tennis star Naomi Osaka.
This festive episode arrives in the wake of Meghan and Prince Harry's newly announced, reportedly scaled-back deal with Netflix, a contrast to their original $100 million (£74 million) contract signed five years ago. It also follows the second season of Meghan's 'With Love' series, which aired in August 2025 and was similarly panned by industry critics.
Timing and Broader Context
The special's release on Netflix coincided with a significant day for the Royal Family. It aired on the same day that King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the German state visit, and just hours after the Princess of Wales published a personal letter to guests attending her annual carol concert.
The stark contrast between the critical mauling of Meghan's foray into festive entertainment and the traditional royal engagements of other senior family members has underscored the ongoing divergence in their public roles and media perceptions.
