Meghan Markle ‘immediately ruffled feathers’ says commentator

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex secured the historic deal with streaming giant Netflix last September, agreeing to produce a variety of content including documentaries and scripted programmes for the platform. Estimates show the deal is worth around $100million (£72million) – and it became the first contract signed by the Sussexes after their landmark move to quit the Royal Family in 2020. They had cited wanting to leave the Firm to lead a “financially independent life”, and along with the Netflix pact, they also signed up to Spotify to provide podcasts for its users.

It was hoped that the couple would be exciting Netflix users by announcing a series of projects they may begin work on, but so far only one programme has been confirmed.

‘Heart of Invictus’ will take a look at the competitors taking part in the Invictus Games, the sporting event created by Harry for wounded servicemen and women from across the globe.

But the lack of any other projects has placed the contract under heavy scrutiny, with royal commentator Daniela Elser arguing that Netflix bosses may soon tire of the couple if more content is not announced.

Writing for News.com, Ms Elser said last month: “When the Sussexes do start unveiling their slate of TV and podcasting projects they will get one shot; that is, one chance to impress audiences and make their mark either in terms of steaming figures or critical plaudits.

“When the novelty and the lustre of working with members of the Royal Family wears off, if they don’t have streaming counts or a clutch of awards to show for themselves, then will their contracts be renewed? Essentially, they will have a brief window to prove they are worth the hundreds of millions that corporate behemoths have bet on them.

“No pressure now or anything.

“The fact is, even billion-dollar companies can’t afford to keep ploughing truckloads of cash into two very, very famous contractors if they do not prove to be a sound investment.”

The partnership between Meghan, Harry and Netflix saw the Sussexes follow friends Barack and Michelle Obama into the realms of TV production.

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The former US President and First Lady of the United States have gone on to achieve global success with their documentaries, evening claiming an Academy Award for a project they produced.

But eyebrows were raised after the Sussexes were accused of profiting from their links to the Royal Family – with critics claiming the pair have limited production experience and would likely be unable to secure such a deal with out their titles.

The deal was scrutinised by the royals, however, and a Buckingham Palace source noted how in September.

They said that any deals would be “subject to discussion”, adding: “Harry and Meghan did leave as working members of the family with everyone’s best wishes and it is sincerely hoped they find the happiness that appeared to be lacking in their lives.

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“It goes without saying any deals they are making will be scrutinised by the royal household.

“Under the terms of their deal to forgo their royal duties, they agreed any commercial deals would be subject to discussion.”

No doubt, then, their $35million (£25million) deal with Spotify would also have been reviewed by insiders at the Palace.

And similar scrutiny was placed on this deal by Eric Schiffer, chairman of Reputation Management Consultants.

He told Newsweek last year that the deal would be “based upon performance kickers”, but admitted the while the contract was “great for them” it was “terrible” for the monarchy “because they are choosing to sell it at firesale prices”.

He concluded: “I think they are systematically benefiting from the halo of the monarchy.

“If Harry wasn’t involved no one would care about this, if she didn’t have the royal ties.

“There’s this reckless war on this pristine historical brand that has represented the people of England for centuries.”

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