Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to give fans behind-the-scenes access to their personal passions, revealing a “more intimate” side of the royal couple with new Netflix projects, an entertainment expert has told Newsweek.
On April 11, Meghan and Harry’s Archewell Productions company announced two new docuseries projects in collaboration with longtime streaming partner Netflix. The couple signed a content creation deal with the company after splitting from the royal family in 2020 and so far have released three series, to varying receptions.
The new announcement revealed that one series will focus on Harry’s personal area of interest, competitive polo. A second will be on Meghan’s interest in all things aesthetic, from gardening to cookery.
The development comes as a spokesperson for the couple announced in January 2023, that they are moving away from “look back” projects and instead are turning to “look forward.”
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One of the “look back” projects that earned the couple backlash was the Harry & Meghan six-part docuseries for Netflix, which aired in December 2022. The show charted the couple’s relationship as well as documenting their controversial split from the monarchy.
The new direction has focused on less polarizing forms of entertainment, which Mark Boardman, entertainment expert and founder of MarkMeets, told Newsweek could boost support and interest among fans.
“Meghan and Harry’s latest collaboration with Netflix promises to show a more intimate side of the royal couple, giving viewers a blend of personal passions and interests that we have not seen before,” he said.
“The duchess will showcase her passions with acclaimed producers onboard who have a track record of success in shows like The D’Amelio Show, so viewers can expect nothing short of a visual feast from the non-fiction projects.”
“While the first installment is set to showcase Meghan’s more homely interests, the second promises an insider’s view into the world of professional polo, tapping into Prince Harry’s love for the sport—a tradition deeply ingrained within the royal family as a popular outdoor pursuit for his father and brother William,” he continued.
The shows, Boardman suggested, will provide viewers seeking a “softer side” of the controversy-plagued duke and duchess with a “real treat.”
“The couple’s commitment to delivering compelling storytelling remains unwavering and appears to have more of a general appeal with a glimpse into the couple’s private lives at the same time with authentic narratives,” he concluded.
Newsweek approached representatives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle via email for comment.
No release date for the projects has yet been given. Archewell Productions said that both shows are in “various stages of production” and that their titles and release dates will be “announced in the coming months.”
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.
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