A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed the Duchess of Sussex following the announcement of her new Netflix holiday special, with critics accusing her of strategic timing to overshadow royal events and lacking a coherent professional vision. The scheduled release of “As Ever” on December 3rd is being framed by commentators as a direct clash with the Princess of Wales’s annual Carol concert, traditionally recorded in early December, reigniting debates about the Sussexes’ relationship with the monarchy.
The critique extends beyond scheduling to the core of Meghan’s post-royal career. Royal commentators on a prominent news panel expressed sharp criticism, labeling her endeavors as a disjointed series of “bits and bobs” without a clear, higher purpose. They contrasted this with the structured, duty-driven path of working royals like the Prince of Wales, whose every appearance is described as part of a meaningful, long-term plan.
A central point of contention is the perceived lack of loyalty to Netflix, the platform that signed the Sussexes to a landmark multi-million dollar production deal. Commentators questioned why Meghan would make a film cameo for another studio instead of prioritizing content for the company that provided a pivotal financial and creative lifeline. This move was cited as evidence of a transactional approach to partnerships.
The substance of the upcoming holiday special, in which Meghan is expected to discuss family traditions, has also drawn intense scrutiny. Critics have pointedly asked what authority she has to speak on familial bonds and continuity, given the well-documented estrangements from both her own and Harry’s families. The theme of “starting new traditions” was interpreted as a necessity born of burned bridges rather than a joyful innovation.
Further skepticism was directed at Meghan’s professional abilities, with one commentator bluntly dismissing her acting future by referencing her pre-royal career on “Suits” and as a briefcase model. The analysis suggested her current pursuits are less about artistic merit and more about accessing a glamorous, catered environment with minimal effort for maximum financial return—the epitome of an influencer strategy.
The controversy was compounded by Meghan’s recent appearance at Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday party, a star-studded event that raised eyebrows following Prince Harry’s solemn participation in Remembrance Day events in Canada. The juxtaposition was seen as a jarring return to celebrity chasing, aligning with figures like the Kardashians, whose brand some commentators believe cheapens the Sussexes’ remaining connection to the dignity of the Crown.
This collaboration, long speculated, is viewed as a symbiotic but potentially damaging alliance. While the Kardashians gain proximity to royal-adjacent fame, the Sussexes risk further diminishing their brand’s seriousness. The panel argued this association actively jeopardizes the reputation of the monarchy itself, as long as Harry and Meghan continue to use their royal titles.
The panel’s overall sentiment was one of oversaturation and strategic confusion. Meghan’s activities—from a podcast to a lifestyle brand, a Netflix series, and now a holiday special—were described as a “scattergun” approach where she is “trying to make something stick.” This stands in stark opposition to the methodical, purpose-driven public service model of the institution she left behind.
Public reaction to the special’s announcement appears deeply divided. While Netflix expressed official excitement, the panel’s reaction ranged from indifference to outright disdain, with one member stating they would not miss the show “like a hole in the head.” This highlights the challenging audience reception the Sussex content now faces amidst persistent controversy.
The timing of the special’s release, later than initially indicated to Fortune magazine, is being scrutinized as a deliberate competitive maneuver. This perception fuels the narrative of a continuous, low-grade conflict between the Sussexes and the Cambridge/Wales household, leveraging media moments for advantage—a tactic the panel suggested the public has come to expect.
Ultimately, this latest episode underscores the unresolved and perhaps irreconcilable tension between Meghan’s commercial Hollywood ambitions and the expectations of her former royal life. Each new venture sparks analysis not just of its content, but of its timing, its loyalties, and its perceived intent, ensuring that the Sussexes remain a permanent fixture in a cycle of provocations and public debate.
The holiday special, intended as a celebration of warmth and family, has instead ignited another round of fierce debate about identity, strategy, and legacy. As the December 3rd release date approaches, the discourse is set to intensify, proving that for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, no public move is without complex layers of interpretation and conflict. The brand they are building remains, in the eyes of their critics, fundamentally at odds with the institution they departed.
