Though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left behind their cushy and nearly fully funded lives as senior working royals in a dramatic and sudden way, we knew that they would be OK financially: They had a healthy bank account already and enough star power and ambition to make something happen, bag-wise. And indeed, it was only a matter of time before Netflix cut them a reported $150 million check to make documentaries, feature films, series, and kids programs. They must be ecstatic, but how do the Queen and the rest of the family feel?
Although we'll never hear any of the famously tight-lipped royals talk about it in public, all of them — starting with Her Majesty herself — must be at least a little bit worried. After all, there was tension in the family even before the couple left, and the breakup itself was messy, with barbs being flung around on both sides on social media and via anonymous sources.
Could the tension spill over onto Netflix's screens via a tell-all documentary? We seriously doubt it. Not only would it damage Harry and Meghan's budding new life and probably kill all contact with their family, but Harry and Meghan have already stated that their intention is to make content that inspires people and move them to action on important issues. They also agreed to have Queen Elizabeth review any commercial deal they make, and uphold the values of the Queen in all they do.
And yet, as the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, so as Harry and Meghan's Netflix labors bear fruit, the royal family will be hoping that the couple avoid all the pitfalls and faux pas that come with doing anything publicly, which will affect a very public family obsessed with image and self-reservation.
So what might the Queen be worried about, when it comes to the Netflix deal? Check out our list of 9 things, which we've put in context for fuller understanding. Enjoy!
They'll Have No Control Over Harry & Meghan
It's the overarching reason that the Queen is probably keeping her fingers crossed that all goes well with Harry and Meghan's Netflix programming: She'll have no real control over their actions — only the influence as Harry's grandmother, really. They are independently wealthy now, not on anyone's payroll, and although they've have carried themselves well after stepping down from working royal status, they also don't really have to subscribe to any royal parameters. They're free to do (and create) as they wish.
... And Harry & Meghan's Exit Was All About Control
Publicly, Harry, Meghan, and the royal family said the relentless negative press the couple received was the main reason for their departure, but that was only part of the story. As senior working royals, Harry and Meghan tried to forge a new path within the ancient, rigid institution that is the British monarchy, and it didn't go well.
According to the book Finding Freedom: Harry, Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family, the pair's ideas for charity efforts and public engagement were dismissed, with the couple shoved to the side in favor of future king and queen consort, William and Kate. Now that they're independent, they don't have to conform to anyone else's schedules or priorities. They control their lives and their work.
Harry & Meghan May Overshadow the Rest of the Royal Family
The royal family would have us believe they are not out to win popularity contests and that they are all about duty an service. But to be brutally honest, if it hadn't been for the massive popularity of Princess Diana, they would have slipped into global irrelevance long ago. So yeah … they care about being on the public's radar, and according to reports, at least some senior royals are worried that Harry and Meghan's Netflix deal will "distract" from their work. (They may have a point.) Harry and Meghan walking a red carpet — or going on American TV — is much more entertaining than listening to a royal talk about a local arts program. That's just the way it is.
.... Which Has Happened Before
As soon as Harry, by far the most charismatic of the royals, got engaged to Meghan, a biracial US actress, the dynamic couple could not help but be the focus of royal news coverage. They were different, they weren't afraid of PDA, they attracted crowds wherever they went, and their Insta had more followers than anyone else's. That didn't always sit well with the royal establishment.
According to Finding Freedom: Harry, Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family — and other reports about the couple's time as senior working royals — courtiers and possibly the Queen herself were afraid that the couple's popularity would eclipse the way more traditional future king and queen consort, William and Kate.
… and by extension, the rest of the family.
The Queen Might Not Like Content About Political or Social Issues
Sure, the Queen gave the couple the green light to pursue commercial ventures contingent on them not damaging the reputation of the royal family. But if Harry and Meghan really wanted to, who could stop them from making stuff that Queen Elizabeth wouldn't approve of? Pretty much no one, though we doubt that scenario would happen.
... And Meghan & Harry Have Already Pushed the Envelope
But … but! There's no way the royals aren't biting their nails about whether Meghan and Harry will be making overtly controversial content. Since leaving the royal family, Meghan has talked about the importance of voting, shown support for the Black Lives Matter movement, and had a chat about feminism with none other than Gloria Steinem.
In a video call with young leaders from the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, Harry basically called on the royal family to acknowledge and right past wrongs committed across the diverse commonwealth of former British colonies. That kind of outspokenness would not have been possible as working royals, where appearing neutral on controversial topics is the norm. And though we think that's a direction the royal family should be going, they might not agree.
Harry & Meghan Have No Producing Experience
Putting together shows and documentaries as a producer is hard, y'all. It requires lots of people, lots of talent, and big budgets, and getting to a quality final product takes months. Meghan Markle may have come from acting, but she and Harry have zero experience producing. We wouldn't be surprised if the Queen and co. are worried about how a failed venture would make the couple, and the royal family, the objects of ridicule.
... And Another Royal Already Failed at It
Back in the '90s, Harry's uncle, Prince Edward — who had acted in a theater troupe in college but had zero experience making films or heading companies — started a production house called Ardent, which became the laughingstock of the industry. It produced mostly yawn-inducing documentaries about royalty and an obscure sport called real tennis, lost $2 million, and embarrassed the monarchy before shutting down. Although we can see why the Queen might be afraid Harry and Meghan's efforts might be equally cringe worthy, we're pretty sure the couple — who have major Hollywood connections the likes of Oprah — will gather a team of pros to help them avoid pitfalls.
Someone They Work With Could Turn Out To Be Problematic
The royal family may try to carry themselves with dignity and class, but they may associate or work with people who are less than ideal — whether the royal knew it or not. We can see that happening with Harry and Meghan, because film production involves so many people. If even one associate producer gets busted for drugs or ill-advised tweets, it will make headlines — with the couple's name attached.
... But It's Not Like the Royal Family Is Full of Saints
Know how we just said that royal family members try to keep it classy? Yeah, well, they often fail spectacularly). From Prince Andrew's sexual misconduct allegations stemming from his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein to Prince Charles infamous cheating and divorce from Princess Diana to Prince Philip's long history of racist and misogynistic comments — the royals have embarrassed themselves time and again. As a couple, Harry and Meghan don't even come close.
The Netflix Deal Is Just the Beginning
Make no mistake, the high-paying, high-profile Netflix deal is the biggest thing that Harry and Meghan have going on. However, it's sure to be far from the only public venture they do, so the Queen will have other things to fret about if she chooses to fret. The couple also signed with an agency as speakers who will rake in mega-bucks per speaking engagement, and other deals are surely in the works.
And remember Archewell, the foundation they announced a while back but which was delayed because of the current worldwide health challenge? We'll be hearing details in the coming months.
There's a Possibility the Family Will Be Depicted on a Show
Netflix already airs The Crown, which is based on Queen Elizabeth's life and reign — as well as The Windsors,, a hilarious, very on-point parody show about the current family — so it stands to reason the royals might be worried Harry and Meghan might make a documentary about one of them or even a fictional show about royals, based on their intimate inside knowledge. Honestly, if we were having tension with a relative who could air our dirty laundry publicly, we'd be kinda nervous too.
... And in fact, their first project is rumored to be ...
…a Princess Diana doc, at least according to a source who spoke to the Sunday Mirror, which basically puts this in the realm of rumor. “The Sussexes are discussing making a feature documentary on Princess Diana’s family history and heritage. It is early stages but it is looking like it could happen. It will work as a tribute to Diana and build on all the incredible charity work she has done. Netflix would also love to make a documentary about Diana and it is something they have been pushing for.”
Doesn't sound controversial to us, but it may be something that would upset Prince William, given that the brothers have only ever done Diana projects, such as the documentary Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy, together.
The Palace May Get Dragged Into Making Statements on Any Controversy
Although Harry and Meghan have not been working royals since March, they are still celebrities whose every move millions of people are interested in, and virtually all stories about them are linked to the Queen and the rest of the family. We don't see that changing any time soon, so although Buckingham Palace generally makes no comment on Harry and Meghan's lives or announcements, that may change if there is controversy involved.
For Queen Elizabeth — whose personal motto is said to be "Never complain, never explain," — being dragged into making public statements would be painful, to say the least.
The Deal Makes It Clear That Harry & Meghan Are Moving on
When Harry and Meghan stepped down from being working royals, they and the Queen agreed to a 12-month period of review. Although the details of what exactly that meant were never made public, it's pretty much understood to mean they could come back after a year if things didn't work out.
With $150 million in their bank account — and having repaid millions for Frogmore Estate renovations — it looks like the couple are strictly looking forward and not waiting for permission to do so. That only underlines that their decisions going forward will be solely their own. Grab the popcorn.
