How The Netflix Deal Helps Prince Harry, Meghan Markle?
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have already closed a deal on Netflix, wherein the streaming platform allows them to produce content. However, some have been wondering how this move could help Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their journey moving forward.
After Prince Harry and Markle's exit as senior members of the Royal Family in 2020, the couple secured a deal with Netflix immediately. Reportedly, the contract is approximately $100million (£72million) even though they don’t have much experience as producers.
The deal was deemed as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first major move into financial independence after departing from the Firm. The contract will reportedly allow them to pay security costs and taxes they owed for renovating Frogmore Cottage in 2019.
In an interview with CBC, PR expert Mark Borkowski said that while the deal is “fantastic,” it still comes with several challenges. He pointed out that “producing content is very difficult” and it’s going to be a long journey and they need people to help them with it.
Royal biographer Penny Junor added that Prince Harry and Markle’s deal with Netflix serves as a “perfect vehicle” for them if they do things right. In terms of programming, she said that the couple wants to produce something informative and gives hope at the same time.
As for who will watch the content they’ll be producing, a 2020 YouGov poll found out that 9 percent of Brits were “fairly interested” in seeing the Sussex’s Netflix contents, while only 3 percent said they’re “very interested” in viewing it.
At the moment, Prince Harry and Markle only announced one program, Heart of Invictus. Speaking to Town & Country, a spokesperson for the couple previously said that any compensation for this project goes directly to The Invictus Games Foundation.
The deal also allows them to produce documentaries, scripted series, as well as children's programming. But, apart from this, the two already have successful appearances on other platforms, including Prince Harry’s The Me You Can’t See on Apple TV+.
In addition to the Netflix deal, Prince Harry and Markle secured other projects after leaving the Firm. For instance, it was announced back in December that the two signed a multi-year deal with Spotify for their podcast, Archewell Audio.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may not reveal their other upcoming projects anytime soon as the couple announced they’ll be taking a break until November. This comes after they welcome their second born, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, last June.