Netflix ‘pivots’ from Sussexes to William and Kate
Netflix is being urged to “erase the chaos” linked to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry as speculation grows that the streamer’s relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has cooled. The claims, reported overnight, suggest executives are looking at a different royal connection after what was described as a disappointing performance for Meghan’s series With Love, Meghan.
The Sussexes’ contract is believed to have ended recently after the second series of With Love, Meghan “flopped”, with Mirror reporting that royal journalist Mr Rob Shuter said “backchannel conversations” were already under way to pursue a link with Prince William and Princess Catherine instead.
Mr Shuter was quoted as saying Netflix wanted to “replace it with credibility”, and described Prince William and Princess Catherine as “the crown jewels”. The report also said Netflix had previously leaned into “tell-all” content from the Sussexes, which at times put the company at odds with Buckingham Palace.
A source cited in the same piece claimed the focus would be on documentary-style programming rather than reality shows, with interest in Prince William’s Earthshot Prize and Princess Catherine’s work on early childhood development through the Shaping Us campaign.
Netflix has not publicly commented on the claims. The report added that Netflix co-chief executive Mr Ted Sarandos had unfollowed Meghan Markle and her lifestyle brand, As Ever, on Instagram last week, as attention continues to swirl around the couple’s future with the platform.
