Royal expert Richard Eden appears to have some insight into Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new deal with Netflix.
Us Weekly confirmed on Monday, August 11, that the streaming service extended its partnership with the couple for a multiyear, first-look deal that extends to all of Archewell Productions’ TV and film projects.
Eden claimed that Harry, 40, and Meghan, 44, will “only” get paid if their several upcoming projects are commissioned, according to a Friday, August 15, report published via the Daily Mail.
“There could be far less to the much-hyped new ‘deal’ than meets the eye,” he added, further explaining that Netflix “has the option” to go forward with projects suggested by Meghan and Harry — but there is “no obligation.”
Typically, first-look deals allow a company to review a project to decide whether they want it. If not, the creator can then shop it to other buyers.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Renew Netflix Deal — Here’s a Major Update on Their Upcoming Projects
Furthermore, Eden claimed that he heard via a source that Monday’s announcement could be “an elegant way for Netflix to cut its ties” with the couple “if they don’t come up with anything juicy and personal.”
A rep for Team Sussex told Eden that Harry and Meghan did receive payment with the new deal, but details were not confirmed.
“I can say no more owing to commercially confidential contractual agreements,” the spokesperson said.
Netflix shared a similar statement to the Daily Mail.
“As you can imagine, and as with all the talent Netflix works with, we don’t discuss fees or deal terms,” the streaming giant told Eden.
Harry and Meghan signed a monster deal with Netflix in 2020 after parting ways with the royal family. Last month, questions about the couple’s ongoing partnership with the streamer started to rise after multiple reports claimed they had cut ties.
All of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Business Deals and Projects Since They Exited the Royal Family
Monday’s announcement confirmed that Netflix still planned to work with Meghan and Harry, also sharing plans for new projects.
“We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As Ever brand,” Meghan shared in a statement earlier this week. “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.”
One upcoming project they have in the works is a second season of Meghan’s lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, set to premiere later this month. With Love, Meghan is also gearing up for its first-ever holiday special.
“This December, join Meghan in Montecito for a magical holiday celebration,” the official logline read. “Together, friends and family deck the halls, create holiday feasts, craft heartfelt gifts, and share lots of laughs — with simple how-tos to follow at home. It’s a holiday wonder with warmth, tradition, and a generous dose of joy.”
