In a raw and revealing Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lay bare the harsh treatment they faced from the British Royal Family, drawing chilling parallels to the struggles of Princess Diana. The series, which chronicles their love story and eventual exit from royal life, accuses the monarchy of orchestrating a “dirty game” to undermine Meghan, exposing tensions that have captivated the world.
On December 5, 2022, Netflix unveiled the trailer for Harry & Meghan, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In it, Harry speaks openly about the rigid hierarchy within the Royal Family and accuses palace insiders of leaking false stories to vilify Meghan. “It’s a dirty game,” he says, his voice tinged with resolve. “The women who marry into this family—they’re made to suffer.”
Trailer for Harry & Meghan. Video: Netflix
The trailer begins with joyful archival footage of Harry and Meghan celebrating their 2018 engagement, their smiles radiant. A clip from broadcaster Piers Morgan, who later became one of their fiercest critics, declares, “Meghan’s like a rock star in the Royal Family.” But the mood darkens as Harry’s voiceover cuts in: “It all changed so quickly.” Dramatic music underscores images of Meghan facing paparazzi, interwoven with haunting footage of Princess Diana pursued by photographers. “I was terrified,” Harry says. “I couldn’t let history repeat itself. We know the truth.”
The documentary features interviews with Harry and Meghan, alongside experts like royal commentator Christopher Bouzy and their lawyer Jenny Afia, who shed light on the palace’s media tactics. “Meghan was targeted in a way that felt deliberate,” Afia states, hinting at a coordinated effort to tarnish her image.
Harry & Meghan premieres online on December 8, 2022, three months after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, with two parts, the second releasing on December 15. The series is part of a multi-project deal between the Sussexes and Netflix, including scripted films and other documentaries.
A Royal Dream Turned Nightmare
Harry, the youngest son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, married Meghan, a former American television actress, in 2018. Their fairytale wedding and the birth of their son, Archie, in May 2019, initially charmed the public. But behind the scenes, Meghan faced intense scrutiny. The documentary reveals how she was portrayed as an outsider, with tabloids criticizing her every move—from her fashion choices to her advocacy for women’s rights. Harry alleges that palace aides fueled these narratives, leaking stories to shift attention from other royals.
“They wanted to control the story,” Meghan says in the film, her eyes reflecting the toll of relentless media attacks. The trailer juxtaposes her experiences with Diana’s, showing how both women were hounded by photographers and betrayed by palace insiders. Harry’s fear of losing Meghan to the same pressures that engulfed his mother drives the documentary’s emotional core.
A Courageous Stand
Despite the adversity, Harry and Meghan’s resilience shines through. The documentary recounts a pivotal moment in 2020, when they decided to step back from royal duties. “We had to protect our family,” Harry explains. Their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, where they accused an unnamed royal of making racist remarks about Archie’s skin color, sent shockwaves through the monarchy, marking one of the biggest crises of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign.
The film highlights their efforts to rebuild in California, where they settled after purchasing a home in Montecito. Meghan, reflecting on their new chapter, says, “We chose love over tradition—and I’d do it again.” Their work with Netflix and their Archewell Foundation, which supports mental health and gender equity, underscores their commitment to carving their own path.
A Truth That Resonates
The documentary’s most gripping moment comes when Harry addresses the palace’s tactics directly: “They thought they could silence us, but we’re telling our story.” Supporters, including friends and royal watchers, share accounts of the couple’s warmth and dedication. One clip shows Meghan comforting a young fan during a 2019 royal tour, a small act that went viral for its sincerity.
Harry & Meghan is more than a royal exposé; it’s a testament to a couple’s fight for truth and autonomy. As the trailer closes with Harry and Meghan walking hand-in-hand, their son Archie in tow, viewers are left stunned by a reality the palace couldn’t suppress: their love and courage have outshone the monarchy’s “dirty game.”
