Some comments were even harsher, with one user writing, “Rachel has had no original thoughts and is always trying to upstage the RF.” Yet others argued the comparison was exaggerated, with one royal watcher noting, “They are not even close to being similar though, 1 is a concert, the other 1 is home decor and food, they really shouldn’t be compared.”

Expert Commentary on the Rivalry

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield echoed much of the online criticism, claiming that Markle appeared to be attempting to “hijack” the festive season. She told The Mirror, “Catherine’s carol concert is about unity, love, and hope. She arrives with her family, with a sense of togetherness and faith. In contrast, Meghan’s Christmas special feels more like a branding opportunity.”

Schofield added, “Without the warmth of family or shared tradition, it plays less as a holiday celebration and more as a commercial venture. When placed side by side, Catherine’s feels authentic and meaningful, while Meghan’s risks seeming transactional.”

Markle’s Statement on Her Netflix Partnership

In a separate statement released via PEOPLE, the Duchess of Sussex confirmed the renewal of her deal with Netflix under Archewell Productions. She wrote, “We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand. My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally and celebrates our shared vision.”

Her lifestyle line, As ever, produced in collaboration with Netflix, is also set to branch out further into new product categories.