Meghan Markle is being accused of copying Kate Middleton after announcing the release date for her upcoming Netflix Christmas special, which royal watchers noted closely coincides with the Princess of Wales’s annual carol service. The timing has sparked speculation that Meghan’s latest project is intentionally competing with Kate’s event, a staple of the royal family’s holiday calendar.
Royal expert Kinsey Schofield commented on the issue during an appearance on Talk TV. “Are we going to talk about the fact that it directly conflicts with Catherine’s carol concert? She’s done this, so it’s released basically the day before,” Schofield said.
She added, “The reason why I think that’s interesting, or the date specifically is interesting, is because she either didn’t know, she lied, or plans changed.”
Meghan’s new special, part of her ongoing deal with Netflix, is expected to focus on family, giving, and holiday traditions. However, critics argue that its release date—just ahead of Kate’s high-profile Westminster Abbey concert—shows a lack of tact and may reignite public tensions between the two royal women.
The controversy arrives at a time when Prince Harry, Meghan’s husband, is also back in the spotlight for a personal essay titled The Bond, The Banter, The Bravery: What It Means to Be British. In the piece, Harry reflects on his deep connection to the United Kingdom despite his life in California.
“Though currently, I may live in the United States, Britain is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for,” he wrote. “The banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands – ridiculous as it sounds, these are the things that make us British. I make no apology for it. I love it.”
His words have drawn attention for their warmth toward Britain, prompting royal watchers to wonder if Harry is expressing nostalgia for his homeland and perhaps his estranged family.
Body language expert Judi James analyzed the essay, suggesting that Harry’s tone reveals an emotional longing for his old life. “Despite his normally constant adherence to his love of his life in the US, Harry sounds like a man still yearning for what he calls the ‘banter of the mess, clubhouse, pubs, the stands,’” James said.
With Meghan’s holiday special set to premiere just as Kate leads her festive royal service, and Harry’s essay stirring emotions about his British roots, the Sussexes once again find themselves at the center of royal drama during the holiday season.