The so-called “Duchess Difficult” is back in the spotlight — and this time, Meghan Markle seems to be making waves not for what she’s doing, but when she’s doing it.
Hollywood’s royal rebel appears to have perfectly timed her new Netflix holiday special, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, to drop on December 3 — the very same day that Prince William and Kate Middleton will welcome Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife for a high-profile state visit at Windsor Castle.
And royal watchers are furious.
Curious Timing Raises Eyebrows
Netflix announced the release date earlier this week, while Meghan herself promoted it in a polished Instagram post on November 10.
“Embrace traditions and make new ones this holiday season,” she wrote, looking radiant in a festive green satin gown as she lit a candle on a perfectly styled holiday table. “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration arrives December 3 on @netflix.”
The post might have seemed harmless — until eagle-eyed royal fans realised the date coincides exactly with one of the monarchy’s biggest diplomatic events in decades.
The German president’s visit marks the first state visit by a German head of state in 27 years, featuring full royal pageantry, a white-tie banquet, diamond tiaras, and the Prince and Princess of Wales taking centre stage as King Charles III, battling cancer, continues to scale back engagements.
Royal Fans Cry “Attention Grab”
The backlash was swift. On X (formerly Twitter), royal watchers accused Meghan of once again trying to overshadow the Waleses with perfectly timed publicity.
“She’s become a stalker of Princess Catherine,” one critic wrote. “She keeps repeating the same tricks — it’s embarrassing.”
“So predictable,” another posted. “She and Harry always pull something when the royals have a big event.”
Others mocked Meghan’s timing and intent:
“She’s desperate to top POW [Princess of Wales],” one user said. “Kate will look stunning in jewels and a gown — Meghan knows she can’t compete on that stage.”
Another added:
“Didn’t Meghan say her show would debut in November? Suddenly it’s December 3 — how convenient.”
Harry Joins the Spotlight Shuffle
Adding fuel to the fire, Meghan’s timing comes just days after Prince Harry was accused of trying to steal his brother’s thunder during William’s trip to Brazil for the Earthshot Prize Awards.
As William toured Rio de Janeiro and met with local leaders to highlight environmental innovation, Harry’s team suddenly announced a trip to Toronto, Canada, scheduled for the exact same day — reportedly to meet with Canadian veterans.
Harry’s camp insisted the trip had been planned for months and that details were withheld until the last minute for “security reasons.”
But insiders weren’t buying it.
“Harry is a spoiled brat and wants attention,” one royal source told Marca. “He’s jealous of William and keeps making reactive moves. He looks miserable and lost.”
A Pattern of Perfectly Timed Moves
Critics say Meghan’s Netflix drop fits a now-familiar pattern — a deliberate strategy to ensure the Sussexes’ projects launch whenever the royal family has a major event.
“This isn’t coincidence,” one insider claimed. “Every time the royals step out, Meghan and Harry find a way to compete for attention. It’s like clockwork.”
With Kate and William poised to shine at the German state dinner, Meghan’s glittery holiday special threatens to split the headlines once again — pitting palace tradition against Hollywood polish.
A Festive Rivalry
For the Prince and Princess of Wales, December 3 is about diplomacy, legacy, and duty. For Meghan Markle, it’s about sparkle, branding, and connection.
Whether coincidence or calculation, one thing is certain — the clash of royal and streaming schedules has reignited the ongoing Windsor vs. Montecito rivalry just in time for the holidays.
And this December, both sides seem determined to outshine the other.