The 2026 Emmy nominations have created an unexpected royal talking point, with both Prince William and Meghan Markle earning recognition through entirely different television projects. While headlines may suggest another royal showdown, the reality is far more nuanced.
Although both names appear in this year’s Emmy conversation, they are not competing against one another. Prince William’s connection comes through the Primetime Emmy Awards, while Meghan Markle’s recognition is for the Daytime Emmy Awards, placing them in separate categories, ceremonies, and television formats.
Family tensions within the royal household have also been drawing attention recently during a visit involving Prince Harry. To know more, read our article Why Palace Aides Reportedly Don’t Trust Prince Harry Alone With King Charles During UK Visit – Inside the Royal Family’s Biggest Trust Crisis Yet.
Prince William’s Apple TV+ Appearance Earns Primetime Emmy Recognition
Prince William is connected to the Emmy race through Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy. The Season 3 episode titled “Living the Royal Life in the U.K.”, which aired on October 3, 2025, received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program. The show’s third season also secured a nomination for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special.
The episode featured Eugene Levy visiting Windsor Castle, where Prince William offered one of his most personal interviews in recent years. Viewers saw the pair tour the castle, walk with the family’s cocker spaniel Orla, and even visit a local pub together.
William has spoken about reshaping the institution he’ll one day lead in other recent interviews as well. Here’s what he said: Prince William Says He’ll “Change the Monarchy When I Am King” — Bold Interview Sparks Global Controversy.
During their candid conversation, William discussed his and Kate Middleton’s cancer journeys and how the family coped, King Charles III’s health, his parents’ divorce, the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, his vision of creating “change for good” within a modern monarchy, and lighter topics including his love of American Pie and British pub culture.
Levy later described William as approachable, down-to-earth, and naturally comfortable throughout filming. The episode received praise for its warmth, humour, and relatability, with IMDb users giving it ratings around 8.8/10 in some feedback. The series has also been renewed for a fourth season.
It is worth noting that William is not nominated as a writer, actor, or producer. His connection stems from the nominated episode’s writing, which incorporated his interview and contributions.
Meghan Markle Celebrates Her First Emmy Nomination for Netflix Lifestyle Series
Meghan Markle’s Emmy recognition comes from a different awards programme altogether. Her Netflix series With Love, Meghan has been nominated for Outstanding Lifestyle Series (or Program) at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, marking her first-ever Emmy nomination.
Premiering on March 4, 2025, the lifestyle series ran for two seasons, followed by a holiday special, with filming taking place primarily in Montecito, California, rather than at the Sussexes’ actual home.
Hosted and executive produced by Meghan through Archewell Productions, the show blended cooking, entertaining, gardening, and lifestyle advice while embracing what the series described as “playfulness over perfection.”
Guests included Mindy Kaling, Chrissy Teigen, Tan France, Roy Choi, Jay Shetty, along with appearances from Prince Harry and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. The series also aligned with Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever, featuring and promoting related products.
Financial claims involving Harry and Meghan have also circulated widely online in recent weeks. Get the full picture in our piece Tyler Perry ‘Done’ With Harry and Meghan? The Viral $14 Million Loan Rumor Explained.
Despite receiving mixed-to-negative reviews from some critics, with descriptions including a “boring slog” and criticism for not breaking into Netflix’s top rankings, the show still found an audience. It was later reported that the series would not return for a third season, although future specials remained possible as Netflix’s partnership with Archewell evolved.
Following the nomination announcement on July 15, 2026, Meghan shared her excitement on Instagram, writing:
“We are nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lifestyle Series!”
She also thanked the crew, producers, and her team.
| Project | Person | Emmy Category | Ceremony | Current Status |
| The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy | Prince William (featured guest) | Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program; Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special | 78th Primetime Emmy Awards – September 14, 2026 | Winners pending |
| With Love, Meghan | Meghan Markle (host and executive producer) | Outstanding Lifestyle Series (or Program) | 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards – October 30, 2026 | Winners pending |
Separate Emmy Paths Reflect Different Post-Royal Careers
While some have framed the nominations as another chapter in the ongoing royal narrative, the two achievements represent very different media journeys.
Prince William’s recognition comes through a selective, high-profile nonfiction appearance tied closely to his royal role and public service, whereas Meghan Markle’s nomination reflects her continued expansion into lifestyle programming and content creation following her departure from royal duties.
William has also popped up in unexpected pop culture moments recently, including a widely discussed podcast appearance. Take a look at our coverage: Prince William’s Surprise ‘New Heights’ Podcast Appearance Lands on Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s Wedding Day, Leaving Fans Buzzing.
As of mid-July 2026, both Emmy races remain undecided. The Primetime Emmy Awards will be held on September 14, 2026, while the Daytime Emmy Awards are scheduled for October 30, 2026, leaving both royal figures waiting to learn whether their respective television projects will take home television’s biggest honours.
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