Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly "phobic about their privacy" and are unlikely to welcome a new German documentary that could potentially unveil "fresh secrets" about the couple. The documentary, which is set to be produced for Germany's ZDF network, is being headed by seasoned royal journalist Ulrike Grunewald, who has a reputation for unraveling concealed facts in her previous work on several royal documentaries.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams expressed his belief that the Sussexes would "almost certainly not welcome" the new documentary, given their past control over their media appearances and the content of their own projects. "Having largely controlled Oprah, who was reluctant to interrogate them, having control over their six-hour documentary for Netflix, 'Harry and Meghan,' and obviously over Harry's memoir Spare, the Sussexes would almost certainly not welcome this," Fitzwilliams said.
The royal commentator also noted that the couple, who moved to Montecito, California, almost four years ago following their decision to step down as senior working royals, are "phobic about their privacy and are unlikely to welcome scrutiny." The fact that the Sussexes will have no control over the contents of the documentary is "far from ideal for them," especially considering Grunewald's reputation for uncovering hidden truths.
Grunewald and her team of five have reportedly traveled to California to investigate Montecito and gather insights from the neighborhood where Prince Harry and Meghan reside with their two children. The journalist's track record of delving deep into royal stories has raised concerns about the potential impact of the documentary on the couple's carefully curated image.
Despite the looming documentary, interest in the Sussexes remains "phenomenal," according to Fitzwilliams, who suggested that the German production "might be widely watched on release." The couple's popularity and the public's fascination with their lives have not waned since their departure from their roles as senior working royals.
Currently, Prince Harry and Meghan are focusing on their own projects, with the Duke of Sussex set to attend an Invictus Games event in London to mark its 10th anniversary. The Duchess of Sussex recently unveiled her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and the couple is also reported to be working on two new Netflix shows - one about polo and another about cookery and gardening.
The Sussexes' efforts to control their narrative and maintain their privacy have been a central theme since their decision to step back from their royal roles. Their own docu-series, which aired after their departure from the royal family, allowed them to present their story on their own terms. However, the upcoming German documentary threatens to disrupt this carefully managed image.
As the documentary's production progresses, it remains to be seen how Prince Harry and Meghan will respond to any potential revelations or scrutiny that may arise from Grunewald's investigation. The couple's concerns about their privacy and their lack of control over the documentary's content are likely to be at the forefront of their minds as they navigate this new challenge in the public eye.
