Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly in a scramble to secure new business ventures as their public support wanes amid ongoing royal controversies. Since their high-profile departure from senior royal duties in January 2020 and subsequent relocation to Montecito, California, the couple's endeavors to carve out a lucrative career in Hollywood have faced significant hurdles.
Initially, Harry and Meghan seemed poised for success in the entertainment industry, having inked deals with streaming giants Netflix and Spotify. However, the Spotify partnership dissolved last year amid dwindling public interest, and their Netflix deal, set to expire in 2025, has yielded only two projects to date. The release of Harry's memoir, "Spare," further strained relations with the royal family and did little to endear the couple to royal enthusiasts.
Recent health challenges faced by members of the royal family, including Kate Middleton's abdominal surgery and King Charles's prostate procedure, sparked speculation about a possible reconciliation between the Sussexes and the rest of the monarchy. Yet, their relationship appears far from mended.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams expressed to GB News that Harry and Meghan need to pivot from leveraging royal family controversies to gain attention. "They have made money by trashing the Royal family. But you can do that for so long and you can only have public support in doing that for so long," Fitzwilliams stated, emphasizing the need for the couple to explore alternative strategies for maintaining their public profile.
Amid these challenges, the Sussexes were seen attempting to rejuvenate their standing within Hollywood circles. They recently attended the premiere of "Bob Marley: One Love" in Jamaica, following an invitation from Brian Robbins, CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, and a close friend of the couple. This appearance has been interpreted by some, including Fitzwilliams, as a strategic move to forge new alliances as their existing deals with Netflix and Spotify wane.
The couple's Hollywood pursuits have so far been a mixed bag. Their Netflix documentary "Harry & Meghan" saw considerable viewership, but their follow-up project, "Heart of Invictus," failed to replicate this success. With several unnamed projects reportedly in the pipeline for Netflix, the lack of public promotion or release dates has raised questions about the future of these endeavors.
As the Sussexes navigate these uncertain waters, their silence on future projects and the apparent cooling of their relationship with Netflix suggest a critical juncture in their post-royal career. With their deal with Netflix set to expire in two years and no new partnerships announced, the couple's next moves will be closely watched by both supporters and detractors alike.
