Meghan Markle is facing renewed criticism from royal commentators and online observers after Netflix scheduled the release of her upcoming holiday special for December 3, the same day the Prince and Princess of Wales are set to play a central role in a high-profile state visit at Windsor Castle. The timing has led to claims that the Duchess of Sussex is seeking to divert attention from Prince William and Catherine's public duties, reigniting a long-running narrative of rivalry between the two households.
Netflix announced With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration via an Instagram post on November 10, in which Markle appeared in a green satin dress, lighting a candle. "Embrace traditions and make new ones this holiday season. With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration arrives December 3 on Netflix," she wrote. The announcement immediately drew scrutiny among royal watchers, who noted that the date overlaps with the beginning of a three-day state visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife - the first such German state visit in nearly three decades.
The visit will include a formal welcoming ceremony and a white-tie state banquet attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess of Wales. With the King continuing treatment following his cancer diagnosis, Prince William and Catherine are expected to lead the public proceedings. As a result, the visibility and symbolic significance of the day are unusually high.
Critics argue that the timing of the Netflix release reflects a pattern of media-driven counterprogramming from the Sussexes. One user on X said, "She actually has become a stalker of Princess Catherine now! She is literally insane. She keeps doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result." Another reaction echoed the familiarity of the situation, writing, "Was bound to happen. So predictable."
A third user accused Markle of strategic image competition, saying she was "So hell bent on trying to top POW." The same post noted that the Princess of Wales will appear in "incredible outfits" during the state visit, including a gown for the state banquet, arguing that Markle's release timing appears intended to divert headlines.
Some users also pointed to an apparent shift in the special's release schedule. "I thought it was debuting in November? Did Meghan not just say that a couple of weeks ago? Oh well!" another comment read. The perceived adjustment has fueled further belief among critics that the December 3 date was deliberately selected.
