Meghan Markle’s Holiday ‘Make or Break’: Everything We Know About the Netflix Special

The tinsel is up, the candles are lit, and the Duchess of Sussex is ready to serve the most crucial dinner party of her career.

But behind the artisanal gift wrapping and perfectly roasted turkeys lies a high-stakes test for Meghan’s evolved lifestyle mogul status. Following a rebrand from “American Riviera Orchard” to “As Ever” earlier this year, industry insiders are whispering that this festive special is the linchpin that must succeed to secure the future of her multi-million dollar media empire.

From the guest list controversies to the “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” PDA with Prince Harry, here is everything you need to know about the show everyone will be talking about this Christmas.

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A Montecito Christmas: ‘As Ever’ Style

Billed as a “holiday wonder with warmth, tradition, and a generous dose of joy,” the special is designed to be the ultimate hosting guide. Fans can expect to see Meghan, 44, “deck the halls, create holiday feasts, craft heartfelt gifts, and share lots of laughs,” according to the official synopsis.

The vibe is “easy, elegant” California cool mixed with traditional festive cheer—a direct reflection of her rebranded lifestyle venture, As Ever. In the trailer released last month, Meghan is seen picking out a Christmas tree, hand-writing notes for a homemade advent calendar, and preparing a mouth-watering spread using her brand’s signature fruit preserves.

The Duchess is also revisiting her pre-royal roots. Famously a former calligrapher and gift-wrapping instructor at Paper Source in Beverly Hills, Meghan will teach viewers “advanced gift wrapping” techniques. It is a nostalgic nod intended to humanize the Duchess, reminding viewers of her hustle before the palace life.

“I love the holiday season,” Meghan says in the show’s voiceover. “It’s about finding time to connect with the people we love, embracing traditions, and making new ones. Let the festivities commence.”

The Prince and the PDA

While the focus is firmly on Meghan’s hosting prowess, royal watchers will be tuning in for a glimpse of Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex, 41, was notably absent from the second season of the main series With Love, Meghan, but he makes a triumphant return for the holiday festivities.

The trailer has already teased a sweet kitchen moment where Harry helps himself to a tasting bowl before sharing a tender kiss with his wife. Sources say he won’t be chopping vegetables alongside her for the whole hour, but the cameo serves as a powerful reminder of the “brand Sussex” unity.

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“Being a hostess or a host is about making people feel comfortable,” Meghan tells a guest in one scene, a philosophy she clearly extends to her husband’s on-screen presence.

The Guest List: Star Power or Stalled?

The special features a curated list of friends and experts joining Meghan at the table. Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka brings athletic star power, while Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio and hospitality guru Will Guidara offer culinary credibility. Also dropping by are Meghan’s close friends, philanthropist Kelly McKee Zajfen and author Lindsay Roth.

However, some critics argue the lineup lacks the heavyweights needed to catapult the show into the global stratosphere. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams recently told The Mirror that the show “needs an A-lister” to truly succeed, warning that without one, it could be “doomed.”

“She has not made a great success of With Love so far,” Fitzwilliams claimed, noting that while the first season cracked the Netflix Global Top 10, the second failed to reach the same heights. “Her Christmas show is a test.”

The Rebrand Strategy: Content into Commerce

This special is more than just entertainment; it is a strategic business move. Earlier this year, Meghan rebranded her company from “American Riviera Orchard” to “As Ever,” citing trademark hurdles with the geographical name.

The holiday special acts as a shop window for the As Ever holiday collection. Viewers can expect lingering shots of the brand’s hand-poured candles—specifically Signature Candle No. 519, rumored to be a scent inspired by her May 19th wedding date—and artisanal jams, seamlessly integrated into the “hosting tips” segments. It is a classic “content-to-commerce” play, attempting to replicate the success of lifestyle moguls like Martha Stewart.

The Verdict

With her As Ever empire expanding and her Netflix deal evolving, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration is a statement of intent. Meghan is doubling down on her vision of domestic bliss and aspirational living.

Will the “advanced gift wrapping” and heartfelt toasts be enough to win over the skeptics and secure a third season? Or will the critics be right about the lack of star power?

One thing is certain: when the special drops tomorrow, the world will be watching.

Fast Facts

• Premiere Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 (Netflix).
• The Hook: A cozy, instructional guide to holiday hosting, featuring cooking, crafting, and “advanced gift wrapping.”
• The Cameo: Prince Harry appears briefly for a kitchen tasting and a kiss.
• The Brand: The special serves as a major launch vehicle for Meghan’s “As Ever” holiday collection, including candles and fruit spreads.
• The Guests: Naomi Osaka, Tom Colicchio, Will Guidara, Kelly McKee Zajfen, and Lindsay Roth.

‘With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration’ streams on Netflix starting Wednesday, December 3.

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