Meghan Markle's Netflix Holiday Special: Top 12 Moments Including Surprise Appearance by Prince Harry

Meghan Markle is sharing a festive glimpse into her family traditions with her first Christmas special, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, set to premiere on Netflix on December 3. The program includes a surprise appearance from Prince Harry, along with heartfelt tributes to her late dog, Guy, and a Christmas Eve gumbo recipe from her mother, Doria Ragland.

Celebrating Family Traditions in Montecito

Filmed during last years holiday season, the special offers viewers a peek at the Christmas rituals Meghan, 44, and Harry, 41, are establishing in Montecito, California. It highlights traditions for their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, as well as personal touches that reflect their family life. A notable moment features Meghan and Harry together in a sweet, unscripted on-camera interaction.

A Nod to British Royal Customs

While largely centered on her California home, Meghan retains a piece of her royal heritage through the inclusion of Christmas crackers, a classic British tradition. She recalls discovering crackers during her time in the U.K., noting the small jokes and trinkets inside, which create a sense of connection. For her own family, she customizes the crackers: lavender roller balls for Lilibet, red trinkets and tiny burger charms for Archie, and a love note for Harry.

Honoring Her Mother Through Food

Although Doria Ragland does not appear in the special, her influence is felt in one of the most personal segments. Meghan prepares her mothers traditional Christmas Eve gumbo, a recipe rooted in Southern cuisine from Tennessee. Cooking alongside Top Chef star Tom Colicchio, she shares memories of the dish and its cultural significance. Harry joins mid-filming, enjoying a taste and joking about his preference for Meghans moms version.

Personal Touches and Family Memories

The special also features tributes to Meghans late beagle, Guy, including a brief appearance and a dedicated ornament on the Christmas tree. Meghan shares that decorating the tree helps capture her family story and the passage of time through ornaments.

Other personal traditions highlighted include creating giant advent calendars for her children, revisiting a childhood snack called Reindeer Chow, and sharing the holiday with close friends Lindsay Jill Roth and Kelly McKee Zajfen. The trio enjoys crafting, snacking, and celebrating together in matching pajamas, echoing long-standing family and friendship traditions.

Christmas Morning Rituals and Fun Activities

Meghan showcases her cherished Christmas morning brunch tradition, preparing cinnamon stars and baby quiches. She also decorates Santa-themed cookies with tennis star Naomi Osaka, playfully reflecting on her own athletic shortcomings. A solo gift-wrapping segment demonstrates her expertise with wax seals, decorative folds, and furoshiki techniques, recalling her pre-royal experience at Paper Source in Beverly Hills.

Reflections on Holiday Joy

Throughout the special, Meghan emphasizes the value of small moments in creating meaningful holiday energy. She notes that these simple rituals and personal touches help sustain balance and care within the family, reinforcing the intimacy and warmth of the season.

Author: Sophia Brooks