Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed a new deal with Netflix for “much less” because they were “not in a strong bargaining position”, a royal expert has claimed. Netflix announced the new “multi-year, first look deal”and dubbed it a “partnership extension” with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Productions on Monday evening.
The Sussex couple signed a lucrative contract with the streaming giant five years ago, which was thought to cost around £74 million, shortly after they quit as senior working royals in 2020. But their new, first-look deal with Netflix will be more like the Obamas, where Netflix gets to hear their ideas first before deciding on obtaining rights to them.
According to Page Six, a source said the new deal was agreed on for “much less,” adding: “It’s not much. It’s no risk for Netflix but saves them both reputationally.”
A representative for the Sussexes declined to comment on the financial arrangements of the deal.
However, a royal expert claimed the couple was not in a “strong position” when bargaining for a new partnership with Netflix.
Royal author Hugo Vickers told The Sun: “I don’t think the Sussexes would have been able to pressurise them [Netflix] because they’re not in a very strong bargaining position.
“Netflix will have figured out that they will be getting publicity from the shows.”
He added: “I suspect that they lead a very expensive life. They have to keep going, as once the money runs out, and if their popularity runs out, they could be in trouble.”
Meghan said in the new announcement: “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.”
Their new output will include a “fun and heartwarming” second season of the Duchess’s With Love Meghan lifestyle show later this month, as well as a “magical holiday celebration” Christmas special in December.
Archewell Productions is also working on Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within – a documentary about orphaned children in Uganda’s Masaka region, where the “shadows of the HIV/Aids crisis linger”.
The documentary will focus on “the heart of Uganda’s Masaka region, where the shadows of the HIV/Aids crisis linger, a small orphanage becomes a beacon of hope”.
Netflix said: “Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within goes beyond the viral videos to reveal a vibrant, one-of-a-kind community where orphaned children transform hardship into joy, dancing their way toward healing, belonging and the promise of a brighter future.”
There is also “active development” on other projects with Netflix, which “span a variety of content genres”, including a feature adaptation of the bestselling romantic novel by Carley Fortune, Meet Me At The Lake.
