Meghan Markle's efforts to rebuild her public image ahead of a new Netflix release encountered fresh turbulence this week as cast members of the Real Housewives of London publicly rejected the idea of the Duchess joining their franchise. The comments, delivered during a promotional interview for the show's upcoming season, surfaced just as Markle prepares for the debut of her holiday special on Netflix, an event already drawing criticism online over its tone and presentation.
The exchange unfolded when host Melissa Nathoo asked the Housewives cast-Juliet Angus, Amanda Cronin, Karen Loderick-Peace, Juliet Mayhew, Panthea Parker and Nessie Welschinger-which celebrity they would invite to join the series. After lighthearted suggestions including Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham and Eva Longoria, Welschinger offered a more pointed name: "What about Meghan Markle?" The question prompted an immediate shift in tone, followed by a unified dismissal. Two cast members replied simultaneously, "We'd rather not." Angus was unequivocal, stating, "I would rather not. I do not want Meghan Markle on our show."
Their contrast in tone became even sharper when the conversation turned to the Princess of Wales, drawing praise rather than hesitation. Welschinger said, "I think Kate would be wonderful. We all have a soft spot for a royal. And she's got a great house." Other cast members agreed, with one remarking that Princess Kate "would surprise people, she's tough as nails." Angus added, "So elegant!"
The public rebuke adds to a difficult stretch for the Duchess as her latest Netflix project, With Love, Meghan Holiday Celebration, premieres on Dec. 3. Even before its release, the trailer drew widespread criticism for its muted color palette and unconventional approach to holiday themes. Online reactions circulated rapidly, with one viewer writing, "Nothing says Christmas like beige, taupe, and brown." Another asked, "Who on earth spends Christmas with rented friends and zero children in sight? I almost blacked out from the cringe." Comments also targeted the narration, including one noting, "She never mentioned the word Christmas once! It's Christmas!" Others questioned the value of the production entirely, with a viewer urging, "Please let this be the end."
Compounding the negative reception, Markle appears in the promotional footage wearing a $1,695 emerald-green dress previously used in a 2022 Variety photo shoot, a piece she was accused of improperly taking along with other items at the time. The resurfacing of the dress has fueled renewed scrutiny.
The timing is significant. Netflix ended its exclusive production contract with Markle and Prince Harry in August, replacing it with a scaled-back first-look agreement. The platform has also distanced itself from the Duchess's branded merchandise, declining to include her As Ever line-featuring fruit spreads and baking mixes-in its holiday pop-up stores. Her lifestyle series, after two low-performing seasons, has no active renewal plans.
