There is a deeper story behind Meghan Markle’s absence from the glamorous 78th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. The timing is notable, coming only weeks after the Duchess’s return to the UK with her family. The move is surprising, as it follows Markle’s first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination for her Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan.
The Duchess’ Netflix series won’t compete for its award until the Daytime Emmys
Meghan Markle reached a career milestone in July with her first-ever Emmy nomination. Sharing a beautiful still from her lifestyle series on Instagram, the Duchess of Sussex expressed her joy. She wrote, “A huge congratulations to the amazing crew, producers, and team who worked on With Love, Meghan on @netflix.” The caption further read, “We are nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lifestyle Series!”
The series earned its nomination with The Sussexes, Archewell Productions, and Sony Pictures Television credited as producers. Despite this, the Suits alum was a no-show at the glitzy 78th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.
For those curious, the real reason for her absence is that her Netflix series is actually nominated for a Daytime Emmy, set for Friday, October 30. With Love, Meghan is up against Different Breed, George to the Rescue, The Motherhood, and The Wizard of Paws. However, per Town & Country Magazine, the non-working royal’s attendance next month remains unconfirmed.
Markle’s absence comes amid reports that she had landed a role in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix hit The Gentlemen ahead of her UK return. However, lead actor Theo James dismissed the chatter as “a lot of hot air.” He said the team is focusing on Season 2 viewership and is actively finalizing Season 3. Additionally, The Royal Observer reported that new figures show ratings for the latest season dropped significantly following speculation that Markle might join the cast.
While Markle wasn’t present at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, held live on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, the ceremony itself was a glittering affair. Marking her debut as host, Law & Order: SVU icon Mariska Hargitay led an evening filled with A-list attendees, rising television stars, and much-anticipated red-carpet appearances.
