Meghan Markle’s Netflix Holiday Special Trailer Features Prince Harry—But Some Fans Aren’t Impressed

Meghan Markle’s Netflix Holiday Special Trailer Features Prince Harry—But Some Fans Aren’t Impressed

The holiday season just got a royal twist with the release of the trailer for With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, Meghan Markle’s standalone Netflix special premiering on December 3, 2025. Shared on her Instagram on November 19, the 30-second clip teases a cozy Montecito montage of decking the halls, crafting gifts, and whipping up festive feasts, all infused with the Duchess of Sussex’s signature blend of elegance and approachability. At its heart is a rare on-camera appearance by her husband, Prince Harry, who pops into the kitchen for a quick bite—and a tender kiss—marking his first cameo since Season 1 of the lifestyle series. This surprise reunion has sparked a whirlwind of reactions, from heart-eyes emojis to eye-rolls, highlighting the polarized lens through which the Sussexes are often viewed.

The trailer opens with Meghan’s warm voiceover declaring, “I love the holiday season—it’s about finding time to connect with the people we love, embracing traditions and making new ones,” as scenes unfold of her bustling in a sunlit kitchen cluttered with jars, ribbons, and holiday spices. Harry’s entrance is fleeting but deliberate: he saunters in, samples a dish with evident delight, and shares a soft, spontaneous smooch with Meghan before the footage cuts to twinkling lights and laughter-filled gatherings. It’s a slice-of-life moment designed to humanize the couple, absent from Season 2, and ties into their broader Netflix deal with Archewell Productions. Special guests like tennis star Naomi Osaka, Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio, hospitality guru Will Guidara, philanthropist Kelly McKee Zajfen, and Meghan’s longtime friend Lindsay Roth join the fun, promising tips on everything from DIY advent calendars to spiced cider batches.Subtle nods to family life peek through, like a custom Santa mug for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, adding a layer of intimate charm.

While many viewers swooned over the couple’s palpable chemistry—”Aww, Prince Harry in the kitchen? Holiday magic!” one X user gushed alongside a screenshot—the backlash has been swift and sharp. Detractors online have branded the cameo a “transparent ploy” to boost flagging interest in Meghan’s projects, especially after a year of mixed reviews for With Love, Meghan and her As Ever brand. “Using Harry as clickbait? Desperate much,” sniped a commenter on Reddit’s r/RoyalsGossip, echoing sentiments that the kiss feels staged amid the couple’s ongoing tabloid scrutiny. Critics argue it reeks of overproduced relatability, contrasting the Sussexes’ Montecito luxury with everyday holiday struggles, and some even tie it to broader fatigue with their “royals-gone-Hollywood” narrative. The trailer’s glossy aesthetic, complete with slow-motion tree-farm strolls and impeccable gift-wrapping, has only fueled accusations of tone-deaf aspiration over authenticity.

This divide isn’t new for the Sussexes, whose every move—from Harry’s memoir Spare to Meghan’s lifestyle pivot—elicits a spectrum of adoration and animosity. Supporters hail the special as a refreshing antidote to holiday commercialism, praising its focus on “simple how-tos” for home entertaining that democratize festivity. “Finally, content that feels warm and inclusive, not stuffy palace vibes,” one Instagram fan commented, appreciating the blend of celebrity star power with practical joy. Yet, the unimpressed camp points to Netflix’s high stakes: the couple’s multi-year deal has yielded hits like their 2022 docuseries but also underwhelmed with perceived flops, putting pressure on this holiday outing to deliver. Early metrics show the trailer racking up millions of views, but engagement splits along familiar lines—adoring Swifties-adjacent fans versus royal skeptics.

As December dawns, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration positions itself as more than tinsel and treats—it’s a soft power play in the Sussexes’ post-royal reinvention. By weaving Harry back into the frame, Meghan signals family unity amid their separate spotlights (his polo docuseries, her wellness empire), potentially quelling rumors of on-set distance. For fans tuning in, it promises escapism: heartfelt laughs, epicurean delights, and that elusive holiday glow. But for the unimpressed, it’s exhibit A in a case of curated coziness clashing with real-world cynicism. Whether it unwraps as a festive triumph or another Sussex sideshow, one thing’s clear—this trailer has lit the yule log of debate, ensuring the special arrives amid as much scrutiny as sparkle.

In the end, the trailer’s kiss might be the mic-drop moment Meghan intended—a reminder that beneath the headlines, love endures. Yet, as streaming wars rage and holiday playlists fill with Mariah and Michael Bublé, the Sussexes’ bid for seasonal relevance hangs on whether viewers see romance or calculation. With free shipping perks for As Ever’s holiday collection teased alongside the promo, Meghan’s blending commerce and content seamlessly, inviting us all to “bring that same warmth to yours.” Tune in December 3 to decide: heartwarming harmony or holiday hype? The court’s in session, and the jury of public opinion is refreshingly divided.