An etiquette expert has issued a stark warning to viewers of the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix Christmas special, advising them not to take hosting tips from the show. Laura Windsor, dubbed the 'Queen of Etiquette', has dissected Meghan Markle's festive episode and found it lacking in grace and decorum.
Informal Language and Oversharing Blunders
According to Windsor, who has advised Netflix on period manners for 'Bridgerton', Meghan's primary mistakes lay in her overly casual approach. The expert criticised the Duchess's use of colloquialisms like 'Hi friend', 'gang', and phrases such as 'Watch those beauties puff right up'. Windsor stated this informal language starkly contrasts the show's attempt to project a glamorous, elevated aesthetic.
Matters worsened, Windsor claims, when Meghan began discussing her husband, Prince Harry's, bodily reactions to spicy food. Comments like 'I'll give you a little towel because you are going to sweat' introduced an element Windsor deems ill-mannered and at odds with the programme's luxury image. "Do we really need to know that Harry enjoys dining on gumbo and sweats when he eats it? I rather think not!" Windsor remarked.
Guest-Centred Faux Pas and Awkward Interactions
The etiquette consultant highlighted that good hosting means never presuming guests' tastes, yet Meghan served chilli oil in a dip without prior consultation. Windsor interpreted this as a mere opportunity for Meghan to mention Harry's dislike of spice. Furthermore, the Duchess was accused of making conversations 'Meghan-centred', repeatedly steering discussions back to herself and her family instead of allowing guests to speak about themselves.
One notable awkward moment occurred when Meghan commented on her college friend Lindsay Roth's appearance, saying, 'Your hair is going blonder'. Windsor noted that remarking on physical appearance can make guests feel uncomfortable, suggesting a more neutral compliment would have been gracious. The expert also pointed out an unnecessarily intimate kiss on the lips Meghan gave Prince Harry in front of guests, deeming a cheek kiss more suitable for the setting.
Practical Hosting Mistakes and Final Verdict
Beyond social slips, Meghan's practical hosting advice also came under fire. Windsor criticised the choice of serving wine in water glasses and using a napkin as a coaster, especially when speaking to renowned restaurateur Will Guidara. The idea of filling Christmas crackers with confetti was dismissed for creating unnecessary mess, contradicting the 'less is more' principle.
Even in the kitchen, Windsor noted faux pas like licking an empty fork, talking while eating, and taking overly large bites of food. Her mispronunciation of the Japanese wrapping style 'Furoshiki' as 'Furoshki' was also cited as a careless error. While American chef Tom Colicchio briefly stole the show with engaging conversation, Windsor observed Meghan appearing uncomfortable, interrupting him with inconsequential comments like 'yum'.
Laura Windsor's final assessment is clear: for a cringe-free Christmas, viewers should look elsewhere for hosting inspiration, as the Duchess of Sussex's tips diminish the episode's seemingly refined approach.
