Prince Harry made a surprise appearance on his wife Meghan Markle’s Netflix holiday special, “With Love Meghan Holiday Celebration”, which premiered Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2025, and didn’t hold back when comparing her cooking to her mother’s. The 41-year-old Duke of Sussex walked into the kitchen while the Duchess of Sussex was preparing her family’s traditional Christmas Eve gumbo, immediately making his preferences known to viewers and celebrity chef Tom Colicchio.
The playful moment unfolded as Harry greeted the guests and gave Meghan a kiss before settling in to taste the dish. Meghan had previously revealed that her mother, Doria Ragland, makes gumbo only once a year as a cherished family tradition for their Christmas Eve dinner. For the holiday special, Meghan decided to recreate the recipe on camera, sharing this intimate family custom with her audience.
Harry’s enthusiasm for the dish was evident, though his loyalty remained firmly with his mother-in-law’s version. “Gumbo, for me, is one of my favorites,” he said. “Especially her mom’s, but before the fish goes in.” This comment revealed a personal detail about the family’s accommodation of Harry’s food preferences, with Meghan explaining that Ragland saves a portion on the side for her son-in-law and uses turkey sausage specifically for him.
Meghan warned her husband that her version of the recipe packed more heat than he was accustomed to. She told Harry that her gumbo had more kick to it compared to her mother’s turkey sausage version. Harry then took his first bite.
The reaction was immediate and dramatic. Harry joked about the spice level, saying he could feel it puncturing through the top of his head. He followed up with an assessment that, while complimentary, might not have been exactly what Meghan hoped to hear: “It is delicious. I’m not so sure it’s as good as your mom’s but it’s certainly close.”
The duchess pretended to be offended by her husband’s statement, giving him an openmouthed stare. Meghan quickly recovered with humor, telling Harry that her mother would love him for that comment. She eventually thanked Harry for his appearance with a kiss, showing the lighthearted nature of the exchange.
The holiday special offered viewers glimpses into the couple’s life and how they blend their different cultural backgrounds. Beyond the gumbo segment, Meghan discussed Christmas crackers, the traditional British party favors that have become part of her family celebrations. She explained that living in the United Kingdom made the tradition a significant part of the culture during the Christmas holidays.
Meghan described how people typically sit around a table, cross arms, and pull the crackers at the same time, creating a connected and sweet moment. She shared details about the British tradition and how it has become meaningful to her family.
For the special, Meghan made personalized Christmas crackers for Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, demonstrating how she’s adapted the British tradition for her family.
The holiday special, featuring Will Guidara among other guests, showcases Meghan’s approach to entertaining and celebrating traditions. The show is now streaming on Netflix, giving viewers an inside look at how the couple blends American and British customs in their home. The gumbo incident serves as a reminder that even in royal households, family dynamics and good-natured teasing remain central to holiday celebrations, with mothers-in-law’s cooking often setting an impossibly high standard.