A new documentary titled Harry - The Lost Prince is set to air on Germany's ZDF network on December 3, promising explosive revelations about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Ulrike Grunewald, the prime-time special explores Prince Harry's struggles within the Royal Family and the broader implications of his departure from royal duties in 2020.
The documentary delves into Harry's quest for a meaningful role following "Megxit" and the challenges the monarchy has faced since, including the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and reported health diagnoses of King Charles and Princess Kate. "The Royal Family has to deal with difficult developments and regroup after 'Megxit,' the death of the Queen, and Charles and Kate's cancer. What role will Harry play in the future?" ZDF's promotional materials ask.
Grunewald shared with The Express that the documentary examines "one of the most heartbreaking periods of the Royal Family since the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936." She added, "The most damaging allegations can only come from within. Revelations that shock the Royal Family only come out of Prince Harry's or Meghan Markle's mouths."
The documentary paints a complex portrait of Harry, highlighting his evolution from a beloved royal to a polarizing figure. "King Charles's second-born, once the Windsors' most popular royal for a time, is now a controversial figure. He has always struggled with his role as a 'reserve,'" states the documentary. It further emphasizes the divide in public opinion, noting that younger audiences view Harry as a modernizing force, while traditionalists see him as a threat to the monarchy's stability.
The filmmakers traveled to California, where Harry and Meghan now reside with their children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three. They also visited New York to interview sources close to the couple. The documentary touches on Harry's philanthropic efforts, including his founding of the Invictus Games, while also addressing the controversies that have followed the couple in recent years.
Meghan Markle's role in the couple's public image is scrutinized as well. Grunewald noted, "She might be embarrassed about the amount of criticism she now gets even in communities that used to back her after the decision to leave the Royal Family as a working member." The documentary also explores Meghan's advocacy for racial and social justice, contextualizing it within the broader landscape of American political debates.
The timing of Harry - The Lost Prince comes amid the announcement of Harry and Meghan's own Netflix docuseries, POLO. Scheduled to debut on December 10, the five-episode series follows polo players on and off the field as they compete in the U.S. Open Polo Championships. Netflix describes the series as offering "an unprecedented glimpse into the dedication and skill required to compete at the sport's highest level."
The ZDF documentary, however, is expected to reignite debates about Harry and Meghan's role within the British monarchy. By focusing on themes such as generational divides and the evolving purpose of the monarchy, it raises broader questions about the institution's relevance in a modern, diverse society.
Grunewald echoed sentiments attributed to the late Queen Elizabeth II regarding the Sussexes' departure from royal life, stating, "I begin to understand the late Queen's verdict that you can't be 'half in and half out.'"
