Meghan Markle and Harry’s Netflix plan will be ‘hard to stomach’ for Royal Family
The Express
Meghan and Harry’s first Netflix series was announced earlier this year, marking a major step in their pursuit of independence in their new life away from royal duties. The programme – which is called Heart Of Invictus – will be produced by Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Productions company and follow competitors as they prepare for the 2022 games. Harry remains passionate about the Invictus Games which he established in 2013 after witnessing the US’s similar Warrior Games for veterans with physical and mental disabilities.
As part of their deal with Netflix, the couple plan to make documentaries, docu-series, feature films, scripted shows and children’s programming.
But a PR agent warned in September 2020, when the deal had just been announced, that the Sussexes’ new venture could be hard to stomach for the Royal Family.
Mark Borkowski told The Sun: “Viewers will be interested to see what they are up to but there needs to be authenticity.
“They have laid out a grand plan and are fulfilling it. They are doing this all on their own terms.
“Their determination to have their voice heard sustains them.”
He added: “The big hits on Netflix are ones based in reality so it makes sense.
“But this is something the Royal Family will find hard to stomach.”
Netflix said in a statement at the time “The couple already have several projects in development, including an innovative nature docu-series and an animated series that celebrates inspiring women.
“But we are not disclosing any of the programming slate at this time.”
Meghan’s animated series – titled “Pearl” – is already in the works.
Archewell Productions, the company formed by Harry and Meghan, said in a statement that the programme will centre on the adventures of a 12-year-old girl who is inspired by a variety of influential women from history.
The series will be produced by Meghan, and she said in a statement that she is “thrilled that Archewell Productions…will bring you this new animated series, which celebrates extraordinary women throughout history.”
Upon the announcement of the Netflix deal last September, a source close to Meghan also said the Duchess wants the world to see the “real her”.
They added: “Much of the docu-series will be about their philanthropy rather than what they get up to behind closed doors.
“But it will still be a fascinating insight and Meghan hopes viewers will get to see the real her.”
But the agreement with the streaming giant was also met with criticism from some quarters, as royal author Ingrid Seward argued it contradicted their wishes for privacy.
She said: “We were told they had gone to California for greater privacy so it all appears rather hypocritical.
“It is extraordinary. This is exactly what they said they wouldn’t do.
“The more they talk about themselves the more people will want them to do just that and won’t be interested in anything else they have to offer.”