Harry’s candid reaction to Meghan’s gumbo — and his praise for his mother-in-law — offers a rare glimpse into their family dynamic

Doria Ragland, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in N.Y.C. in May 2023.Credit : Kevin Mazur/Getty

Prince Harry offered an unexpectedly intimate glimpse into his relationship with his mother-in-law, Doria Ragland, in Meghan Markle’s new Netflix holiday special.

With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, which premiered Dec. 3, features the Duchess of Sussex cooking her mother Doria Ragland’s signature Christmas Eve gumbo for Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio. As Meghan stirs a pot at the stove, Harry pops into the kitchen with a kiss for his wife — and a surprisingly heartfelt confession.

“You must have known that I was coming,” he says as he smells the stew. “Gumbo for me is one of my favorites, especially her mom’s. But before the fish goes in.”

Meghan then shares the small but meaningful gesture her mom makes just for Harry.

“She always saves a little portion on the side for him,” Meghan says, teasing that her version uses a spicier andouille sausage. “I’ll give you a little towel because you’re going to sweat.”

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Tom Colicchio in ‘With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration’.Jake Rosenberg/Netflix

After taking a bite, Harry is taken aback. “I can feel it puncturing through the top of my head right now,” he jokes — before delivering the line that makes Meghan’s jaw drop.

“It is delicious,” he says. “I’m not so sure it’s as good as your mom’s, but it’s certainly close.”

Colicchio lets out a “Wow,” while Meghan bursts into laughter. “What?! Oh my gosh,” she says. “Well, my mom will love you for that. You know what? What a good thing to say for your mother-in-law.”

With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration also features appearances from tennis champion Naomi Osaka, hospitality expert Will Guidara, Meghan’s close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen and her longtime friend and author-producer Lindsay Roth.

“I love the holiday season,” the Duchess of Sussex said in the trailer, which she first shared last month. “It’s about finding time to connect with the people we love, embracing traditions and making new ones.”

Meghan Markle in ‘With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration’.Jake Rosenberg/Netflix

In the special, she visits a Christmas tree farm, prepares Christmas goodies for visiting friends, and shows off some of her DIY gift-wrapping techniques.

The new installation of Megha’s lifestyle series also coincides with the release of the first holiday collection from her brand, As ever. The new launch included sparkling wines, hand-poured candles, artisanal fruit spreads and golden California honey — several of which appear in the Holiday Celebration special as part of her hosting spread.

With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration is streaming now on Netflix.