Netflix's interest in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appears to be waning, potentially spelling trouble for the couple, whose lucrative deal with the streaming giant is set to expire in 2025. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped back from their senior royal duties in 2020, had quickly secured a multi-million-dollar contract with Netflix, marking one of their first major ventures post-royalty. However, industry experts are now raising concerns about whether Netflix will renew this agreement.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, in an exclusive interview with The Mirror, highlighted the potential risks for the Sussexes if their deal with Netflix is not extended. "It runs out next year and Netflix are no longer producing the series of The Crown, as they previously were. They might therefore have less interest in the Sussexes," Fitzwilliams noted. The Crown, Netflix's acclaimed series on the British monarchy, has been a significant draw for the platform, and its conclusion might reduce Netflix's overall investment in royal-related content.
Fitzwilliams further explained the financial implications for Harry and Meghan if the deal is not renewed. "If they lost this contract, with Archewell, their business and charitable foundation, having so few donors, they might well be in financial trouble. Since their exposés of royal life have made megabucks, but little else has made money, the Royal Family better hope that this unpredictable and ruthlessly ambitious couple stays with Netflix."
Currently, the Sussexes are working on two major projects for Netflix. Prince Harry is reportedly developing a television series centered on his passion for polo, while Meghan Markle is focusing on a cookery and gardening show. These projects are seen as critical to maintaining their relevance and value to Netflix.
Meghan's lifestyle show is expected to align with her forthcoming brand, American Riviera Orchard, which she teased back in March with a new Instagram account, logo, and promotional trailer. This brand launch is seen as a strategic move to diversify their income streams and solidify Meghan's position as a lifestyle influencer.
The potential loss of the Netflix contract would be a significant blow to the Sussexes' financial independence. Since stepping back from their royal roles, they have been building their personal brand and business ventures, seeking to establish themselves in the competitive world of media and entertainment. Their deal with Netflix has been a cornerstone of this strategy, providing both financial support and a platform to share their stories.
However, the couple's relationship with Netflix has not been without its challenges. Their projects have faced varying degrees of public and critical reception, and the pressure to deliver high-performing content remains high. The speculation surrounding the renewal of their contract underscores the precarious nature of their post-royal ventures.
The Sussexes' financial stability is closely tied to the success of Archewell, their business and charitable foundation. With limited donors and revenue streams, the foundation's sustainability could be at risk if the Netflix deal falls through. This scenario raises questions about the couple's long-term strategy and their ability to adapt to the shifting landscape of media and entertainment.
Moreover, the potential non-renewal of their Netflix contract could have broader implications for the Royal Family. Fitzwilliams pointed out that the Royal Family might hope the Sussexes remain with Netflix, given the couple's potential to generate headlines and public interest. The ongoing tension between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the Royal Family adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
As the expiration date of their Netflix contract approaches, Harry and Meghan must navigate these uncertainties and continue to prove their value to both the streaming platform and their audience. The outcome of this situation will be a significant indicator of their ability to sustain their independence and influence outside the royal sphere.