In a move that’s got royal loyalists fuming and social media ablaze, Meghan Markle took to her personal Instagram yesterday – just 24 hours after Prince William and Princess Catherine’s flawless family Christmas card dominated headlines – to shove yet another “holiday” photo down the world’s throat.
Captioned “Happy Holidays! From our family to yours,” the image shows the exiled Sussexes posing in their lavish Montecito gardens, with kids’ faces conveniently hidden as always. But let’s be real: Why is Meghan, a former actress turned California lifestyle hustler, still pretending her private family snapshots are “royal” Christmas cards worthy of global attention – especially to Americans who couldn’t care less?The timing couldn’t scream “jealous copycat” louder.
On December 18, the Prince and Princess of Wales released their stunning 2025 Christmas card: a joyful, face-forward portrait of William, Catherine, and their three beautiful children – Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 – cuddling in a Norfolk field surrounded by symbolic daffodils. Taken by acclaimed photographer Josh Shinner back in April, the image radiates genuine warmth, unity, and tradition. “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas,” read the simple, elegant message from the future King and Queen.
Contrast that with Meghan’s rushed drop on December 19: A backlit, semi-sheer dress fiasco (again!), wild-haired kids looking awkward, and Harry gazing blankly like he’s counting the minutes until it’s over.
The photo, snapped on a wooden bridge in their $15 million estate’s woodland, features Meghan in a flowing white midi that turns transparent under the California sun – because nothing says “festive family cheer” like another wardrobe “oops” moment. Little Lilibet, 4, clutches her mom’s hand stiffly, while Archie, 6, hugs Harry from behind. Faces obscured? Check. Overproduced Hollywood vibe? Double check.
Critics on X are savage: “The Wales card is pure class – real royals, real joy. Sussex one is just Meghan begging for relevance in America.” Another viral post nailed it: “They’re not working royals, not our head of state’s family. Why flood American feeds with this? Nobody here cares!”And they’re right. Since the Sussexes quit royal duties in 2020, fleeing to California for “privacy” while chasing Netflix deals and jam jars, they’ve lost all claim to official royal traditions.
The Wales family represents the monarchy – the future King, his elegant wife, and their heirs carrying on centuries of duty. King Charles and Queen Camilla dropped their sophisticated card earlier this month, featuring a photo from their Italian state visit.
That’s royal protocol.But Meghan? She’s turned Christmas into a PR stunt, posting directly to her Instagram (comments off, naturally) aimed squarely at her American audience. Sources say it’s all about competing with Catherine – whose card went viral for its authenticity and subtle nod to her cancer recovery (daffodils symbolizing hope).
Meghan’s version? A separate “official” card with just her and Harry from the Invictus Games, plus a video rebranding Archewell. It’s corporate, not crown.Royal experts are baffled: “Meghan feels entitled to mimic royal traditions, but without the work or titles’ weight,” one insider dished.
“Americans see her as a celebrity, not royalty. This just highlights how out of touch she is.”The backlash is brutal. While the Wales card garnered millions of likes and praise for its wholesome vibe, Meghan’s sparked memes about “desperate timing” and “irrelevant ex-royals.”
One X thread exploded: “Only the Wales family matters for royal Christmas cheer. Sussexes are private citizens now – keep it private!”As the real royals prepare for Sandringham traditions, the Sussexes hole up in Montecito for another “low-key” holiday far from the fold. Meghan’s photo drop isn’t festive – it’s a futile grab for spotlight in a country that views her as tabloid fodder, not monarchy.
Face it, Meghan: Prince William and Princess Catherine’s family is the only one that counts as Britain’s royals. Your Montecito moments? Save them for Netflix. The world – especially the UK – isn’t interested.Sources include Kensington Palace, Meghan Markle’s Instagram, Archewell, HELLO!, People, Daily Mail, and X reactions.
