Harry & Meghan Planning a Netflix Documentary Honoring Diana — but Experts Have One Question
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's multi-year deal with Netflix gives them the freedom to champion projects close to their hearts. After the launch of the holiday special season of With Love, Meghan, Markle is eager to do more, this time by honoring her late mother-in-law's legacy. According to a source, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are allegedly planning a documentary for 2027 to mark the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana's death. The move comes as little surprise, given how often the couple have spoken fondly of Diana's lasting influence.
Speaking to The Royalist, the insider believed that Harry and Markle's alleged Diana documentary would not be a big hit among the streaming giant's subscribers. They said, "It's hard to see at this point how and why the relationship endures unless there is something juicy and possibly Diana-shaped being dangled." Echoing the same, another added, "It's certainly not been a hugely productive deal thus far…But if there's something Diana-related indeed coming, you could see that as something Netflix would certainly maintain the relationship for, at a price." They also suggested that the Sussexes were partly planning a Diana documentary to remain on Netflix’s good books.
Chiming in, Mark Graham at the Decider didn't have many kind words to say about Markle's cooking show on Netflix, suggesting they drop their plan. He argued, "More disturbingly, neither the second season of that show nor its recent Christmas special were able to crack Netflix's Top 10 in either the US or the UK, let alone globally. Maybe those two will have better luck staying behind the scenes and producing material that doesn't feature either of their faces?"
The news of Harry and Markle's alleged plans comes a day after it was reported that they secured a first-look deal through Archewell Productions and are developing new projects for the streaming giant.
Previously, in September, similar reports alleged that the Duke of Sussex was planning a documentary to mark the 30th anniversary of his mother's death. However, this has reportedly not gone well with Prince William, who is allegedly hell-bent on stopping his brother from 'claiming her legacy.' Commenting on the same, a senior television executive told The Daily Beast, "Harry is looking to do a series about Diana in 2027. They want to get the right partners, and we have had a conversation with them. I'm sure other production companies have too." The executive added, "An inside account of the implosion of Charles and Diana's marriage and Harry's story of Diana's death and its aftermath would be the TV sensation of all time."
Behind the scenes, insiders in the TV industry believe Harry's alleged idea for a series about Diana helped convince Netflix to continue working with the couple. A show that looks back at Diana's charity work, while also revisiting the many controversies around her death, would likely attract huge audiences. And Harry's past comments suggest he would not shy away from questioning the official narrative of his mother's death.