Meghan Markle faces copying claims after Netflix deal sparks scrutiny

Meghan Markle is accused of copying Kate Middleton as the couple expands their Netflix deal with a festive With Love edition.

Meghan Markle faces copying claims after Netflix deal sparks scrutiny

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced a multi-year first-look deal with Netflix, giving the streaming service the right of first refusal on their projects. The pact includes a festive edition of Meghan’s With Love show set in Montecito, inviting viewers to a holiday celebration. Critics quickly compared the project to Kate Middleton’s long-running Christmas events, arguing the timing echoes royal traditions while the tone feels more like branding than warmth.

Royal watchers say the connection to Kate’s Christmas calendar is deliberate, sparking a debate about whether the Sussexes are following a playbook that has long worked for Kate or risking a perception of copying. Industry observers note Netflix’s tightening budgets and a shift toward sharper, more authentic ideas, which could pressure Meghan and Harry to prove their creative identity beyond headlines and branding.

The Netflix deal comes five years after the couple left their senior royal roles and signed a deal reportedly worth over 100 million dollars. Experts say the arrangement signals how streaming platforms are recalibrating investments while the couple search for a sustainable model that balances visibility with editorial control. Past projects have drawn attention but not always blockbuster success, which raises questions about what comes next for their brand.

Kinsey Schofield argues that Meghan’s latest move fits a recognizable pattern in royal media: use a high-visibility moment to anchor a broader narrative. Kate’s carol service has become a defining autumn–winter tradition, built on shared faith and family warmth. Meghan’s edition, by contrast, risks feeling transactional unless it leans into her own voice and story rather than a mirror of Kate’s impact.

Industry expert Dermot McNamara notes the broader context: streaming budgets are tightening, and networks want sharper, more credible ideas. The onus is on Meghan and Harry to translate their public image into meaningful, enduring content. If they manage to separate branding from authenticity, the Netflix partnership could still sharpen their creative identity rather than merely amplify attention.

Highlights

The season will reveal if holiday moments in the royal glare can become real storytelling or just clever packaging.