A royal expert has shared why the Sussex’s new agreement with the streaming giant could spark anxiety within the Firm over deep-seated fears of history repeating itself
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new deal with Netflix could be cause for ‘concern’ for the Royal Family, according to an expert.
The Sussexes have signed a “multi-year, first look deal for film and television projects” with the streaming giant, as Meghan announced on Monday in a statement .
Despite Harry and Meghan’s excitement to “extend their creative partnership” with Netflix, one royal commentator believes the new deal could spell disaster for the Royal Family, as it has done in the past. During their previous five-year deal with Netflix, the documentary series Harry & Meghan – which was highly critical of the Firm – pulled in over 20 million viewers. It comes as Prince Harry’s sour rift with William poses awkward dilemma as big royal event looms.
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Now, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes the Royal Family will be “concerned” about the new agreement, as they “don’t trust” the Sussexes to not create another series slamming the Firm.
Fitzwilliams told the Express : “Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Content Officer, whilst praising the Sussexes, laid special emphasis on how popular ‘Harry and Meghan’, their kiss and tell series where they gave viewers a unique glimpse into their personal lives and also attacked the Royal Family, was.
“Let’s just hope, as things seem so uncertain for them, that they aren’t planning another such series!”
Discussing how the Royal Family will feel about the deal, Mr Fitzwilliams said: “This will concern the Royal Family as they don’t trust the Sussexes and they did it (a damaging series) before. It is sadly all too clear that, however deplorable it is, it would be very lucrative.”
The royal commentator also speculated whether the new deal is actually as lucrative as fans may think, in comparison to their previous five-year package which is thought to be worth more than 100 million dollars (£74 million).
“They (Harry and Meghan) will obviously welcome the new Netflix deal as far as it goes, but it may well be for far less than the original was. They have a brand which has considerable reach but one must ask, is the new deal a figleaf to hide their failure to be A-listers in Hollywood?”
The Sussexes’ new deal was announced on Monday, as Meghan issued a statement saying: “We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As Ever brand.
“My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision.”
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, added: “Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere. The response to their work speaks for itself. We’re excited to continue our partnership with Archewell Productions and to entertain our members together.”
