Meghan Markle is reportedly "in panic mode" over an upcoming documentary from German royal commentator Ulrike Grunewal, which focuses on the former Suits star's past and her relationship with Prince Harry. According to royal expert and author Tom Quinn, the Duchess of Sussex, 42, is becoming increasingly fearful of what could be laid bare in the program, set to air on Germany's ZDF network.
While Meghan has had no direct involvement with the TV show, sources suggest that both she and Harry are worried about potential revelations. An informant confided to OK! Magazine last week, "There are many things that both of them, especially Meghan, don't necessarily want in the public domain. It's no secret that they both led colourful lives before they met each other, and while Harry has spoken about a lot of mistakes in his book, there are still things about Meghan we don't know."
The source also hinted at Meghan's previous high-profile presence on the Hollywood social circuit and her first marriage to Trevor Engelson, implying that there are individuals ready to discuss her former lifestyle.
Tom Quinn, speaking to the Mirror, claimed that Meghan, whom he described as a "massive control freak," would see any criticism as "unfair" and would assume that unless she is invited to participate and have a final say over the program's content, it is likely to be critical. "Meghan can't see that she should adopt the old royal motto - never explain, never complain," he explained. "Meghan's obsession with 'my truth' means she just can't do this. But if she reacts to any criticism in the programme - and there is definitely going to be some criticism - it will just draw more fire."
The couple's concerns allegedly extend to how their charitable efforts and their penchant for a luxury lifestyle since relocating to Montecito, California, will be portrayed in the documentary. Tom Quinn also noted that their recent private trip to Nigeria, where they promoted the Invictus Games, could come under scrutiny.
"Even more worrying for Meghan and Harry is the certain knowledge that they will be criticised for Harry's insistence that the UK is 'too dangerous' to visit with his wife and children unless the UK taxpayer pays for their security. The documentary makers will be asking: how is it Harry and Meghan can't risk a visit to the UK, but were able to visit Nigeria, a country that Meghan's own government in the United States has designated as too dangerous for American citizens?" Quinn pointed out.
Journalist and Royal commentator Ulrike Grunewald is said to be leading the charge on the new documentary, having traveled to California with a five-person team to uncover stories from the neighborhood where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reside with their two children. Richard Mineards, a former UK Royal correspondent who relocated to California, reportedly faced intense questioning, revealing he was "grilled for two hours" by the documentary crew.
The production of this documentary coincides with Harry and Meghan's own creative ventures with Netflix. Harry is currently producing a polo series, reflecting his passion for the sport, while Meghan is working on a lifestyle series linked to her newly launched brand, American Riviera Orchard.
As the couple tries to take ownership of how they are presented in the media, their public image remains at an all-time low. Tom Quinn believes that despite their best efforts, Meghan and Harry's attempts to control the narrative have been largely unsuccessful, with Meghan's "confidence in her own abilities" reassuring Harry, who Quinn claims has "no real confidence of his own."
