Earlier this week, Archewell and Netflix confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex will do a With Love, Meghan holiday special. I will watch the hell out of that – Meghan decorating a Christmas tree and doing holiday-themed cooking, baking and more? It will be so fun, and so much better than Food Network’s Christmas Death Match: Jingle Bells ‘Til You Die Cooking Competition. When will food programmers understand that we just want an attractive hostess with a nice voice gently decorating and cooking?
Anyway, the news of the WLM holiday special went over poorly with royalists, derangers and Daily Mail editors. You see, the Princess of Wales owns Christmas. She’s the only person to ever celebrate Christmas. She’s the first and only person to put together a Christmas special. She’s so selfless – performing a piano recital (“pre-recorded”) for her Together at Christmas special one year, then the next year, coordinating burgundy coats as some kind of “dig” at Meghan. Don’t forget the “festive glances” and the increasingly awkward body language between Kate and her husband. And nevermind that Kate’s fakakta Christmas carol event is growing less and less popular with each passing year (and it was never that popular to begin with), and nevermind that Kate’s husband did the most to overshadow her event last year.
Royal fans have accused Meghan Markle of ‘copying’ the Princess of Wales after it was revealed the second season of the Duchess’s ‘With Love, Meghan’ lifestyle show will include a Christmas special. Fans have compared it to the festive productions created by Kate Middleton, 43. These include her 2019 collaboration with Mary Berry on a seasonal cookery programme, and her annual carol service, titled Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which is typically broadcast on ITV1 on December 24.
Yesterday, it was announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have signed a new ‘multi-year, first look deal for film and television projects’ with Netflix, which has been described as a downgrade on their previous contract with the streamer. The couple’s new output is slated to include a second season of the Duchess’s lifestyle show released later this month, as well as a Christmas special titled With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, in December.
Fans have criticised the news, accusing the Suits actress, 44, of ‘copying’ Kate by releasing a Christmas episode. Writing on X (formerly Twitter) one said: ‘Anything to compete with Catherine. A December holiday special, really?’
A second lamented: ‘A Christmas special?! Good grief, is there NOTHING Meghan won’t attempt to do better than Catherine, Princess of Wales – and fail MISERABLY at? Just when I thought we would take up a Netflix subscription again.’
Other fans feared the two productions could have clashing release dates. A third wrote: ‘Meghan’s “Christmas Special” may clash with the Princess of Wales ‘Together at Christmas’ concert?! Oh I am in no doubts that Meghan would push for that date specifically! So Just like Princess Catherine’s Holiday special then! The difference is Megan has no Royals or family attending hers!’ another commented.
Keep in mind, Netflix has not set a release date for WLM: Holiday Celebration. I doubt it will come out on Christmas Eve though. Here in America, Christmas Eve is meant for spending time with family, wrapping gifts and watching It’s a Wonderful Life and/or The Sound of Music and/or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (animated). I would imagine that Meghan’s special will come out a week or two before Christmas, I’m just saying. As for Kate’s ownership of Christmas-themed programming… I hope the Daily Mail derangers will throw similar hissy fits about other holiday programming.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images, Instar, Kensington Palace.
-
-
North America Rights Only/Special Restrictions Apply-Please See Caption – London, UK -20211224-Royal Carols – Together At Christmas
Copyright is this image is jointly vested in The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Alex Bramall. Please credit Alex Bramall. Not for use after 31st December 2021 without prior permission from Kensington Palace. News editorial use only; no commercial use including any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-editorial use; no charge should be made for the supply, release or publication of the photographs; image must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified and must include all of the individuals in the photograph when published. The Duchess of Cambridge accompanies singer Tom Walker on the piano during a performance of his song ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’. This was pre-recorded in the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey, the day before The Duchess’ carol service and the performance features in Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which was broadcast by ITV on Christmas Eve 2021. Issue date: Friday December 24, 2021.-PICTURED: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge
-PHOTO by: Alex Bramall/PA Images/INSTARimages.comDisclaimer:
This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact INSTAR Images for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207. This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. INSTAR Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
For images containing underage children: Be advised that some Countries may have restricted privacy laws against publishing images of underage children. Inform yourself! Underage children may need to be removed or have their face pixelated before publishing
-
- Previously unissued photo dated 08/12/21 of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge taking part in ‘Royal Carols – Together At Christmas’, a Christmas carol concert hosted by the duchess at Westminster Abbey in London, which will be broadcast on Christmas Eve on ITV. Issue date: Wednesday December 22, 2021. Led by the duchess, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service was attended by those Kate and William had spent time with during recent engagements, as well as members of the armed forces involved in Operation Pitting, young carers, faith leaders and those who may have been more vulnerable or isolated during the pandemic.,Image: 649207573, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO UK USE FOR 48 HOURS- Fee Payable Upon reproduction – For queries contact Avalon sales@Avalon.red London +44 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles +1 310 822 0419 Berlin +49 30 76 212 251 Madrid +34 91 533 42 89, Model Release: no, Credit line: Avalon.red / Avalon
-
-
A still of Catherine, Princess of Wales, from the Royal Carols: Together at Christmas promo which airs on ITV1 on 07 December at 9.45pm.
The Carol Service will take place tomorrow at Westminster Abbey and will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve at 7:45pm.,Image: 827596021, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Royal Carols: Together at Christmas / Avalon
-
- Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, reacts at Westminster Abbey on the day of the “Together At Christmas” carol service, in London, Britain, December 6, 2024.,Image: 943708401, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Isabel Infantes/Avalon/Avalon
-
-
North America Rights Only/Special Restrictions Apply-Please See Caption – London, UK -20211224-Royal Carols – Together At Christmas
Copyright is this image is jointly vested in The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Alex Bramall. Please credit Alex Bramall. Not for use after 31st December 2021 without prior permission from Kensington Palace. News editorial use only; no commercial use including any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-editorial use; no charge should be made for the supply, release or publication of the photographs; image must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified and must include all of the individuals in the photograph when published. The Duchess of Cambridge accompanies singer Tom Walker on the piano during a performance of his song ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’. This was pre-recorded in the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey, the day before The Duchess’ carol service and the performance features in Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which was broadcast by ITV on Christmas Eve 2021. Issue date: Friday December 24, 2021.-PICTURED: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge
-PHOTO by: Alex Bramall/PA Images/INSTARimages.comDisclaimer:
This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact INSTAR Images for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207. This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. INSTAR Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
For images containing underage children: Be advised that some Countries may have restricted privacy laws against publishing images of underage children. Inform yourself! Underage children may need to be removed or have their face pixelated before publishing
-
- North America Rights Only/Special Restrictions Apply-Please See Caption – London, UK -20211224-Royal Carols – Together At Christmas Copyright is this image is jointly vested in The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Alex Bramall. Please credit Alex Bramall. Not for use after 31st December 2021 without prior permission from Kensington Palace. News editorial use only; no commercial use including any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-editorial use; no charge should be made for the supply, release or publication of the photographs; image must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified and must include all of the individuals in the photograph when published. The Duchess of Cambridge accompanies singer Tom Walker on the piano during a performance of his song ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’. This was pre-recorded in the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey, the day before The Duchess’ carol service and the performance features in Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which was broadcast by ITV on Christmas Eve 2021. Issue date: Friday December 24, 2021. -PICTURED: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge -PHOTO by: Alex Bramall/PA Images/INSTARimages.com Disclaimer: This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact INSTAR Images for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207. This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. INSTAR Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded For images containing underage children: Be advised that some Countries may have restricted privacy laws against publishing images of underage children. Inform yourself! Underage children may need to be removed or have their face pixelated before publishing
-
- Brad Pitt attends the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/SAG/Turner) NO USA SALES – Editorial Use Only
