The success of Meghan Markle's burgeoning television career hinges entirely on her ability to attract Hollywood's elite to her upcoming Netflix holiday special, a leading royal commentator has exclusively claimed.
The High-Stakes Holiday Special
According to Richard Fitzwilliams, a former editor of the International Who's Who, the Duchess of Sussex, 44, faces immense pressure with her latest project, 'With Love, Meghan: Holiday'. The special is scheduled for release on Wednesday, 3 December, just two days before the Princess of Wales hosts her annual 'Together at Christmas' carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Fitzwilliams argues that after the first two series of 'With Love' received a mixed critical reception, Meghan must now "seriously raise the bar". He stated bluntly, "She has not made a great success of With Love so far, so her Christmas show is a test because if she doesn’t get an A-lister for it, it’s doomed."
The A-List Access Problem
The expert identified one of Meghan's core challenges as an inability to penetrate the upper echelons of Hollywood society. "She can’t break into the A-list crowd," he observed, noting that her long-standing friendship with tennis legend Serena Williams is a notable exception rather than the rule.
He pointed to her recent appearance at the Balenciaga show during Paris Fashion Week in October—her first European visit in over two years—as a clear attempt to rectify this. "It made perfect sense, because there she was with Anna Wintour, with Anne Hathaway and with Baz Luhrmann," Fitzwilliams said. "But if you look at all her podcasts and her Netflix episodes, you do not find well known names."
A one-minute trailer released last month offered glimpses of cameos from Prince Harry, 41, and tennis star Naomi Osaka. Past seasons have featured guests like Chrissy Teigen, Mindy Kaling, and chef Samin Nosrat. While the first series entered the Netflix Global Top 10 upon its March debut, the second instalment failed to replicate that success.
Contrasting Royal Festive Projects
The scrutiny on Meghan's Netflix venture coincides with final preparations for the rival royal Christmas event. The Princess of Wales's 'Together at Christmas' carol concert, to be filmed at Westminster Abbey on Friday, boasts a confirmed line-up of major stars.
Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Hannah Waddingham are set to deliver festive readings alongside Prince William. The event, now in its fifth year, will celebrate "the power of love and togetherness" before an audience of 1,600 charity workers and royals.
Kensington Palace stated the theme was chosen because "in a world that can often feel fragmented and disconnected, love is the force that reconnects us all." Musical performances will come from Katie Melua, the Fisherman's Friends, and singer Griff.
This side-by-side scheduling has placed Meghan's foray into holiday entertainment under a particularly bright spotlight, with industry observers questioning whether her lifestyle brand and media ambitions can thrive without the endorsement of Tinseltown's top tier.
