Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have denied claims about their working habits in a scathing new article published in the US.
In a new report published on Tuesday, Variety examined the couple’s Netflix deal after it was revealed that the streaming giant and the Duchess’s lifestyle brand have parted ways.
The piece included testimonials from sources who claimed that the relationship between Netflix and the Sussexes was “far from a fairytale”, with one insider saying: “The mood in the building is ‘We’re done.'” However, Netflix denied reports of having a strained relationship with the couple.
Grievances were also expressed about Harry and Meghan’s bedside manner, with the piece stating: “In virtual and in-person meetings with partners, she tends to talk over or recast Prince Harry’s thoughts, sometimes while he is mid-sentence, sources say (usually preceded by a touch to the arm or thigh).”
Denying the claims
However, the Sussexes’ attorney, Michael J. Kump, told the magazine this assertion was “seems calculated to play into the misogynistic characterization of her bossing her husband around”. Prince Harry also attested the claim was “categorically false”, according to the magazine.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Jordan
Meghan, who lives with her husband and children Archie and in Montecito, California, was also said to “disappear for long periods” from Zoom calls if she was “offended”. Kump said this could be explained by the fact that Meghan works from home, is mother to two children aged six and four, and is conscious of distracting the team.
“Nearly all professionals can attest to needing to turn off the audio or camera during a virtual meeting at some point during many hours of virtual business calls,” Kump explained.
Representatives for Harry and Meghan gave no further comment beyond that already in the article when contacted by HELLO!.
Harry and Meghan’s relationship with Netflix
Meghan and Harry signed a lucrative contract thought to be worth more than 100 million US dollars (£74 million) with Netflix after stepping down as senior working royals in 2020. Their six-part docuseries, Harry & Meghan, came out on Netflix in December 2022, becoming the most viewed documentary ever within its first four days, watched by 2.4 million people on its first day of release alone, according to the BBC.
© NetflixThe Duchess of Sussex has fronted two seasons of With Love, Meghan on Netflix
Other projects included Heart of Invictus (2023), Polo (2024), as well as Meghan’s lifestyle and cookery show, With Love, Meghan.
In July last year, it was revealed that the deal had come to an end and their exclusive access would be replaced by a “first-look” deal instead. Earlier this month, it was reported that Meghan had cut ties with Netflix over her lifestyle brand, As ever. The tech giant had partnered with As ever as a financial backer for the past 18 months, supporting the brand in its initial stages.
Red-haired Princess Lilibet makes a rare appearance in Meghan Markle’s home videoMeghan Markle shares an adorable video of her daughter, Princess Lilibet, 4, at their home in California
A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex’s company said at the time: “As ever is grateful for Netflix’s partnership through launch and our first year. We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As ever is now ready to stand on its own. We have an exciting year ahead and can’t wait to share more.”
Netflix similarly praised the brand as they confirmed the split, saying in a statement: “Meghan’s passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life.
“As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world.”