King Charles III is reportedly deeply concerned about the future of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as rumors swirl that Netflix may not renew its lucrative contract with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The potential loss of the streaming giant's support could plunge the couple into financial uncertainty, raising alarms within the royal family.
The Sussexes, who stepped down from their roles as senior royals in 2020, signed a high-profile five-year deal with Netflix worth an estimated $100 million. This partnership was seen as a significant move in their efforts to build an independent financial future, transitioning from their royal duties to becoming media moguls. However, the deal, which is set to expire next year, may not be renewed, according to recent reports.
Renowned TV journalist Dan Wootton revealed that a palace insider confided in him about the King's mounting worries. "This is the King's worst nightmare-he's horrified," the source reportedly said, alluding to the possibility that Harry and Meghan might struggle financially if the Netflix deal falls through.
Wootton elaborated on the situation, describing it as the "Netflix hammer blow." He pointed to insights from Puck's newsletter, edited by former Hollywood Reporter editorial director Matthew Belloni, which confirmed longstanding rumors that Netflix is not expected to renew its agreement with the Sussexes. Wootton had first reported these concerns last June, and the latest updates seem to validate those fears.
The potential loss of the Netflix deal follows the earlier termination of the couple's exclusive podcast partnership with Spotify. These developments have cast doubt on the success of Harry and Meghan's ventures into the media industry, raising questions about their ability to sustain their lifestyle without these high-profile contracts.
Adding to the uncertainty, Meghan Markle has reportedly been waiting for Netflix's scheduling decisions before launching her anticipated lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand, which first made headlines in March when Meghan sent limited-edition jam pots to her celebrity friends as a teaser, has yet to officially debut. The delay is said to be tied to Netflix's release timeline for Meghan's upcoming cooking and homemaking show, which is intended to complement the brand.
A senior entertainment executive emphasized the power Netflix holds over the timing of the brand's launch, stating, "Everyone has to abide by Netflix's schedule these days. They are by far the biggest player in town." This indicates that any movement on Meghan's brand is likely on hold until Netflix makes its next move.
Further complicating matters, the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office has reportedly issued "Notices of Irregularities" regarding Meghan's brand trademark applications. While these issues are said to be routine, due to differences between U.S. and U.K. classification of goods, they have added another layer of difficulty to the brand's launch. A source familiar with the situation assured that all necessary fees have been paid to keep the process on track, but the delays remain a concern.
King Charles's unease reportedly stems from fears that the couple's financial stability is increasingly precarious. Without the backing of major deals like those with Netflix and Spotify, the Sussexes could find themselves in a vulnerable position, potentially leading to further strain in their relationship with the royal family.
