Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have new jobs as producers of film and TV shows after signing a multi-year production deal with Netflix. The couple will be making documentaries and children's programs but they won't be the first member of the royal family to venture into production.
CNN reported that Prince Harry and Meghan's deal with Netflix is their latest step after moving away from their royal life. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, apparently, plan to shine "a light on people and causes around the world" and thanked Netflix boss Ted Sarandos for the opportunity to make an "impactful content."
Prince Harry and Meghan's deal with Netflix is not that different from former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who established their production company, Higher Ground, after leaving the White House in 2016. But, long before the Sussex pair planned to be producers, the first member of the royal family who established his production house was Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex.
According to People, the Queen's youngest son created Ardent Productions in 1993 after leaving the Marines. Prince Edward, also, produced TV shows and theater programs, which were well-received by viewers.
In 2002, Prince Edward's Ardent Productions made an ITV documentary about his grand Uncle David or King Edward VIII, who abdicated from the throne, and his wife Wallis Simpson. This film, however, received negative reviews and was regarded as a "sad joke" in the industry.
Some critics said that Ardent Productions was a vanity TV company that didn't actually make a profit. The company subsequently got into trouble with Prince Charles and Prince William after some of its crew members followed and filmed the second in line to throne while he was studying at the University of St. Andrews.
Allegedly, Ardent Productions violated Prince William's privacy but Prince Edward didn't know the crew followed his nephew. The company had to issue a statement to apologize to the Wales.
After closing Ardent Productions for good, Prince Edward decided to become a full-time working royal with his wife, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex. Prince Edward's patronages, however, remains with the Arts because of his inclination for creative endeavors.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry said that he's looking forward to work behind the cameras as a producer. Before meeting Meghan, the thought of making a movie or a TV show hasn't crossed his mind. Apparently, the Duke of Sussex now realizes that he could hone his creative talents with this latest project.
Netflix declined to comment about the financial terms of its deal with Prince Harry and Meghan. But with the potential to tap nearly 200 million subscribers all over the world, the Sussex pair's deal could fall around $100 million.
