ROYAL FAMILY
Meghan Markle’s success will ‘dictate future’ with Prince Harry as he pursues other interests away from partnership….Read More
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have pursued a number of avenues since their departure from royal life, including creating content for podcasts with Spotify and documentaries for Netflix which have focused on their personal and charitable interests.
While their self-titled series was released in December 2022, other works have included Live to Lead, a series released on New Year’s Eve 2022, the Heart Of Invictus, which was released last year, and an adaption of Meet Me at the Lake. The couple’s next programme – which has received a largely muted response – will be released shortly and focus on the “fierce rivalries” and the “intense training” that those in the US Open Polo Championship go through.
With the couple’s upcoming series not receiving the same anticipated reaction as their six-part documentary, a leading royal expert has questioned whether the pair’s ambitions to be LA producers will have been affected.
“I guess this depends on whether Netflix extends their contract. The success or otherwise of Meghan’s show could dictate the future,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells OK! as she refers to Meghan’s next show which will focus on “the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship.”
“Television is a hotly competitive field and Harry and Meghan’s own story was the big one for Netflix,” Jennie adds. “After that, it’s hard to see exactly what they have to offer. They are not producers and learning on the job is not easy.
“I think Harry would be better making his high profile appearances to publicise the causes and charities he cares about. He is still a Prince and enjoys a global platform.
“Meghan may well pursue other TV projects as she does at least have experience of being in front of the camera. She might prove quite successful… but we shall have to wait and see.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s docuseries, Harry and Meghan, was released on Netflix back in December 2022 and was the latest in a long-line of statements made by the couple following their departure from royal life. At the time, it was revealed that the streaming giant had struck an £80 million deal with the pair and that the public could soon expect more shows.
As for the success of Harry’s polo documentary, Jennie previously told the magazine: “I don’t think either of these will be blockbusters, but lifestyle programmes generally appeal to a broad range of people and Meghan may well have some interesting tips on cooking and stuff around the home.”
Addressing any pressure the couple might be under, she continued: “It’s a fiercely competitive field, so it’s going to have to be good to pull the viewing figures in. Polo is far more niche, but on the other hand, think how successful Jilly Cooper has been writing about the polo crowd, so it could be intriguing. People do love to peek into rich people’s lives.”
On whether there may have been a wish for more newsworthy content, Jennie added: “I imagine Netflix is hankering after another expose like their docuseries on royal life. But I don’t think they are going to go it. I also think Harry and Meghan are probably learning that coming up with ideas and producing hit TV shows (as opposed to just acting in them) isn’t as easy as it might look