The Duchess of Sussex's foray into festive television has been met with a chorus of disapproval from critics, who have labelled her Netflix Christmas special as "insufferable" and "self-indulgent".
A Festive Offering Meets Frosty Reception
Meghan Markle's "With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration" premiered on Netflix on Wednesday, 3 December 2025. The 56-minute episode, intended as a heartwarming seasonal guide, sees the Duchess sharing her personal tips for the holidays. Activities featured include making personalised Christmas crackers, hosting a brunch for friends, and undertaking crafting sessions with tennis superstar Naomi Osaka.
However, the programme's release was swiftly overshadowed by a wave of negative reviews from television critics across several publications. The special was derided as "quite mad and a little bit sad" in one assessment, while another branded it an "insufferable" watch. A particularly biting review described the show as a "sad, self-indulgent, cringy wash of beige."
Product Placement and a Princely Cameo
Throughout the special, Meghan prominently features items from her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The integration of these products has been noted by viewers and critics alike. In one segment, the Duchess includes a handwritten "love letter" for her husband, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, inside a handmade cracker.
Prince Harry himself makes a brief but memorable cameo appearance. The Duke is shown reacting with humorous disbelief to an "anti-salad" concocted by Meghan, which is deliberately made from ingredients he is known to dislike. This rare, informal glimpse of the couple was one of the few moments highlighted by audiences amidst the critical maelstrom.
The Verdict from the Critics' Circle
The consensus from professional reviewers suggests the Duchess's attempt to create a cosy, authentic holiday special has backfired, with many accusing it of missing the mark entirely. The criticism centres on the programme's perceived lack of relatability and its overtly curated aesthetic, which some found alienating rather than inviting.
The launch of "With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration" represents another chapter in the Sussexes' commercial partnership with Netflix, following their documentary series and the Duke's upcoming projects. While the couple's content aims to build their independent brand, this particular festive effort has demonstrated that their ventures remain under intense and often unforgiving scrutiny.
