The Duchess of Sussex's latest venture for streaming giant Netflix has ignited fresh controversy, with critics labelling the timing and content as deeply ironic. In a new Christmas special for the series she shares with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle speaks earnestly about the importance of family, tradition, and togetherness.
A Festive Message Amidst a Royal Rift
However, this heartfelt message has been met with a wave of scepticism, given the couple's ongoing estrangement from much of the British Royal Family. The most poignant point of contention is the fact that Meghan and Harry's two children, Prince Archie, aged four, and Princess Lilibet, two, have had minimal contact with their grandfather, King Charles III.
The special, part of the couple's lucrative multi-year deal with Netflix, sees Meghan in a festive setting, reflecting on seasonal values. She discusses creating meaningful rituals and the significance of loved ones during the holidays. For many royal observers, this narrative is a 'hard pill to swallow', as described by commentators, while a very public and painful divide persists within the House of Windsor.
The Lingering Shadow of Distance and Division
The couple's relationship with the monarchy has been fractured since their decision to step back as senior working royals in 2020, a move famously dubbed 'Megxit'. Since relocating to Montecito, California, their interactions with the Royal Family have been sparse and often conducted through media interviews or documentary series.
King Charles, who has consistently expressed a desire to see his grandchildren, has reportedly had only a handful of meetings with Archie and Lilibet. The children did not attend the King's Coronation in May 2023, and their visits to the UK have been rare and private. This distance stands in stark contrast to the warm, family-centric image projected in the Netflix episode.
Critics argue that the Duchess's on-screen sentiments ring hollow while the practical reality denies her children a close relationship with their royal relatives. The situation underscores the enduring and complex nature of the rift, which shows little sign of healing despite the family's shared grief following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Public Reaction and the Future of Royal Relations
The public and media response has been sharply divided. Supporters of the Sussexes view the special as a harmless and positive expression of their personal family values, separate from their royal disputes. They see it as part of their independent brand-building in the United States.
Detractors, however, perceive it as a calculated and tone-deaf performance that exploits emotional themes the couple are not living by in the context of the wider family. The episode has fuelled further debate about the couple's commercial use of their royal connections and titles, even as they criticise the institution.
As the Royal Family prepares for its own traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, the absence of Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet will be felt. This Netflix special serves as a festive reminder not of unity, but of the ongoing separation that defines this chapter of royal history. The path to reconciliation remains unclear, with the young children caught in the middle of a very public family schism.
