Royal expert says Duchess struggles to recreate the appeal of the Princess of Wales
Meghan Markle is facing fresh criticism after her Netflix Christmas special failed to win over viewers, with a royal expert suggesting her attempts to mirror Catherine’s public appeal are not landing.
The festive episode, Meghan, With Love, featured holiday crafts, cooking segments and celebrity guests including Naomi Osaka. Despite the polished production, many viewers described it as awkward and lacking spark.
Commenting on the response, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said the Duchess of Sussex appears to be trying to emulate the style and warmth associated with the Princess of Wales, but without the same impact. He pointed to the timing of the release, which came just ahead of Catherine’s widely praised Together at Christmas carol concert, as adding to the sense of comparison.
Speaking to Radar Online, Fitzwilliams said Meghan seems keen to capture the same sense of magic but has struggled to do so. He added that the constant upbeat tone of the show could feel tiring, describing it as overly polished and short on substance when set against Catherine’s annual concert, which is often praised for its emotional depth and wider message.
He also noted that the timing of projects linked to the Sussexes has frequently overlapped with major appearances by William and Catherine. As a recent example, he highlighted Harry’s visit to Canada coinciding with William’s Earthshot trip.
An insider echoed those views, suggesting Meghan still feels a sense of competition with the Princess of Wales dating back to their early days working together. The source said that dynamic has continued to shape many of the Sussexes’ public moves over the years.
