Adding to the awkwardness, his comment was aimed at Meghan Markle’s cooking — no small thing considering the Duchess of Sussex hosts a lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, which features plenty of recipes. One might even wonder if Harry was risking a takeaway for Christmas lunch.
A Festive Moment on Meghan’s Netflix Special
Harry’s eyebrow-raising comment came during the festive episode of Meghan’s Netflix show, titled With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. The special, which debuted on December 3, sees Meghan sharing some of her favorite Christmas dishes and traditions.
The timing raised a few smiles and a few winces, especially as the couple had also just released their Christmas card, which sparked conversation online over a supposed “mistake.”
Gumbo, Family Recipes, and a Playful Dig
In the episode, Meghan is shown preparing a batch of Christmas Eve gumbo, which she describes as a cherished family recipe. As she stands at the stove stirring the pot, Harry walks in, leans over to kiss her, and takes in the aroma.
“You must have known that I was coming,” he says after smelling the stew.
He then adds, “Gumbo for me is one of my favourites, especially her mom’s. But before the fish goes in.”
Meghan explains that her mother, Doria Ragland, always makes a special version just for Harry. “She always saves a little portion on the side for him, I’ll give you a little towel because you’re going to sweat,” she says, noting that her own recipe uses a spicier sausage than her mum’s.
After tasting the dish, Harry admits, “I can feel it puncturing through the top of my head right now.”
“It is delicious,” he continues. “I’m not so sure it’s as good as your mum’s, but it’s certainly close.”
Meghan’s reaction was instant. “What?! Oh my gosh,” she laughs. “Well, my mom will love you for that. You know what? What a good thing to say for your mother-in-law.”
It was a comment that may have cost Harry a few points at home, but likely earned him plenty with Doria — especially on a show watched by millions.
Celebrating the Holiday Spirit
“I love the holiday season,” Meghan says in the episode. “It’s about finding time to connect with the people we love, embracing traditions and making new ones.”
The festive special also sees the Duchess visiting a Christmas tree farm and sharing her gift-wrapping tips, rounding out a warm and personal look at how the Sussexes celebrate the season.
