The Anglo-American media has been buzzing with a story that could spell fresh trouble for the Windsors — and it centers on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s lucrative relationship with streaming giant Netflix.

When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex first signed what was reported to be a £75 million-plus ($100m) deal with Netflix in 2020 — a contract to produce exclusive documentaries, films and series — the reaction in some royal circles was cautious at best. While Harry and Meghan touted the partnership as a chance to “share inspiring stories” with global audiences, insiders in London worried about what else it might lead to if creative control and access to sensitive material were involved. Marie Claire UK+1

Royal Anxiety Over “Tell-All” Potential

According to royal commentators, the Palace’s biggest concern has always been this: if the Sussexes are given carte blanche to produce content under a Netflix contract, they may be tempted — or pressured — to include material that touches on internal royal family matters. One expert told The Express this extended deal could “cause concern” precisely because the couple has shown no reluctance to share personal grievances before.

That fear stems from their previous work — especially the 2022 Harry & Meghan docuseries, which delivered intimate, often critical perspectives on life inside the Firm and quickly became one of Netflix’s most-viewed documentaries globally in its debut week.

Royal insiders say stories like that highlighted a painful truth: the trust between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family is still fragile. Some observers suggest the Palace has been quietly bracing for the possibility that the Sussexes could revisit old wounds — or reveal new ones — under the guise of creative storytelling. Marie Claire UK

New Deal, Old Worries

In August 2025, Netflix confirmed that Harry and Meghan had signed a new multi-year “first look” deal through their Archewell Productions company. This isn’t necessarily a repeat of the original blockbuster contract — many details differ, but the arrangement still gives the couple priority access to pitch film and television ideas to Netflix.

Critics argue this structure could still allow the Sussexes to produce documentaries that dig into family dynamics, palace decision-making or behind-the-scenes royal controversies — because creative platforms like Netflix thrive on conflict, leaks, and exclusive insight. That’s exactly the kind of material that could be “an absolute nightmare” for the monarchy’s messaging and confidentiality.

Not All Royals Are Terrified — But Concern Remains

Not every royal voice has sounded an alarm. Some commentators point out that all subsequent Netflix projects after the Sussexes’ original documentary failed to generate the same level of success, making the new deal less commercially potent and perhaps less tempting as a vehicle for explosive content. Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Others believe Netflix itself may be cautious about content that threatens legal trouble or public backlash. Still, the mere possibility that Harry and Meghan could use their global platform to air internal grievances or reveal previously undisclosed palace insights is enough to give royal advisers restless nights.

Sussexes’ Side of the Story

Representatives for Harry and Meghan have not publicly detailed what content the new Netflix deal will produce — nor how much creative freedom they will have. The couple themselves have framed the partnership in positive terms, stressing their desire to create “meaningful, inspiring” programming for audiences worldwide. Marie Claire UK

Despite the public diplomacy, Britain’s royal watchers see echoes of the past — and a reminder that while the Sussexes’ chapter with the Royal Family may have officially closed, the potential for further revelations on screen may be just beginning.