Meghan Markle's new Netflix holiday special is drawing scrutiny not for its recipes or festive ambiance, but for the portrait it paints of her relationship with Prince Harry. The debut of With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration has prompted analysts and viewers to question whether the Sussexes' on-screen dynamic reflects a deeper shift, as a prominent body-language expert argues the Duchess has assumed a "maternal" posture toward her husband. The program, released December 3, has become a focal point for commentary about the couple as their U.S. media presence evolves.
Judi James, a celebrity body-language expert speaking to OK! on behalf of Casino.ca, said the special presents Harry in a diminished role that contrasts sharply with his earlier public persona. James argued that Meghan's interactions throughout the episode carry "maternal behaviours" that risk placing the Duke "in the same category" as the couple's children rather than as an adult counterpart. Her analysis has helped propel the episode into a wider debate about how the couple's dynamic is being shaped on camera.
One moment involving a sausage dish has circulated widely. James said Harry's gestures resembled those of a child awaiting approval, adding: "Like a child he points to the sausage dish and her indulgent 'OK let me get it for you' sounds again very maternal." The interaction escalated when Meghan commented on his hygiene in front of cameras. As James described it, "Her next line is the ultimate in maternal behaviours that can embarrass their children in public though: 'I'll give you a little towel' is followed by the lowering aside: 'he's going to sweat.'"
James told digital PR lead Lucy Parker that the episode underscored what she called Harry's "surrendered" position in the production. She said, "Harry's role in these videos seem to be one of 'surrendered male' letting his wife be the star and of course be more dominant," arguing that the special reveals a "complementary fit" where Meghan assumes a controlling presence and Harry "reverts to a childlike mode."
Even lighter exchanges, James said, reflected the same pattern. In a segment on cooking, Harry joked that Meghan's mother's gumbo outranked hers. But James noted the tone, saying, "His new 'banter' with Meghan is shown using a state of mock fear and trepidation."
Other gestures amplified her concerns about Harry's shifting sense of authority. James said the remark about the towel "sounds more like an indulgent put-down," and added that she found "no signs of respect from Meghan towards the man who is a prince." She added: "He looks tamed and happy in his role though as though the maternal approach makes him feel comfortable in some way."
The closing moments of the episode drew similar commentary. Meghan thanked Harry for appearing, prompting what James called an awkward exchange. "Told 'Thank you for coming' like a guest by Meghan his reply is 'Thank you for having me.'" She described Meghan's parting gesture-a kiss while holding the back of his head-as further evidence that the Prince seemed less like a co-host and more like "a guest in his wife's world."
