In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, few partnerships have stirred as much debate as the collaboration between Netflix and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Since stepping back from their roles as senior royals in 2020, the couple has embarked on a new chapter in the United States, leveraging their global platform to build a media empire through their production company, Archewell Productions. Their multi-year, $100 million deal with Netflix, signed in September 2020, promised a slate of projects ranging from documentaries to scripted series, aiming to inspire and inform audiences worldwide. However, as of May 2025, this partnership has become a lightning rod for controversy, drawing criticism from various quarters while also highlighting the couple’s ambitious vision. This article explores the highs and lows of their Netflix journey, the backlash they’ve faced, and the broader implications of their foray into the entertainment industry. 🌍
A Bold New Venture: The Netflix Deal and Initial Projects
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their Netflix deal in 2020, it was hailed as a groundbreaking move for the former royals. The agreement, valued at a reported $100 million, was a clear signal of their intent to carve out a new identity as media producers, focusing on content that aligned with their values of social impact and storytelling. The couple’s first major project, the docuseries Harry & Meghan, premiered in December 2022 and offered an intimate look into their lives, detailing their struggles within the royal family and their decision to step away from royal duties. The series was a global hit, garnering millions of views and sparking widespread discussion about race, privilege, and the monarchy. However, it also drew ire for its perceived criticism of the royal family, particularly the Commonwealth, an institution deeply cherished by the late Queen Elizabeth II. 📺
Following Harry & Meghan, the couple produced several other projects under their Netflix deal, including Live to Lead, a documentary series spotlighting global leaders, Heart of Invictus, which followed veterans competing in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games, and Polo, a series exploring the world of competitive polo. While these projects aimed to showcase the couple’s commitment to causes like veterans’ welfare and leadership, they failed to capture the same level of audience engagement as their debut docuseries. Critics on platforms like X noted that these shows felt “uninspired” and “disconnected,” with some questioning whether the couple’s lack of entertainment industry experience was hindering their success. Despite these setbacks, Netflix remained committed to the partnership, a decision that would soon lead to even greater scrutiny. 🌟
With Love, Meghan: A New Direction Met with Mixed Reactions
In March 2025, Meghan Markle launched her most personal project yet: With Love, Meghan, a lifestyle series that followed her as she cooked, hosted brunches, and shared glimpses of her life with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The show, which marked the fifth project under the Sussexes’ Netflix deal, aimed to rebrand Meghan as a modern-day Martha Stewart, blending her passion for homemaking with her public persona. However, the series quickly became a focal point of controversy, with critics and viewers alike questioning its authenticity and relevance. 🍳
One of the most significant points of contention was the revelation that With Love, Meghan was not filmed in the couple’s Montecito mansion but in a nearby farmhouse owned by their neighbors, Tom and Sherrie Cipolla. Meghan addressed this decision at the TIME100 Summit in New York on April 23, 2025, explaining that she wanted to protect her children’s privacy. “When people say, ‘Why didn’t you film in your house?’ Well, I have kids coming home for their nap, and 80 people in the kitchen isn’t really the childhood memory I’d want for them to have,” she said. While some praised her for prioritizing her family, others accused her of being unrelatable, arguing that the staged setting undermined the show’s premise of an “intimate glimpse” into her life. 🏡
The series also faced criticism for its perceived inauthenticity in other areas. Celebrity chef Jameson Stocks publicly denounced the show, claiming he received a legal warning from Netflix after speaking out against it. Stocks told MailOnline on May 3, 2025, that he felt Meghan’s approach to cooking was “forced and fake,” adding, “I didn’t like the idea of me showing her how to do something, and then it kind of being forced.” Netflix denied the allegations of legal threats on May 5, 2025, but the incident fueled a narrative of tension between the streaming giant and its critics. Stocks doubled down on his critique, questioning how Meghan could secure such a lucrative deal with Netflix, a sentiment echoed by some viewers who felt the show lacked depth and originality. 🍽️
Additionally, Meghan’s use of high-end kitchenware, such as Le Creuset cast iron cookware, drew accusations of being out of touch, especially amid the rising cost of living in 2025. In an interview with The New York Times on April 2, 2025, Meghan shrugged off the controversy, saying, “This is a thing, in 2025?” However, the backlash persisted, with some fans on X mocking her for appearing repulsed while handling honeycomb on the show, a moment comedian Phil Wang lampooned on the BBC’s Have I Got News for You on April 7, 2025. The episode, watched by nearly three million people, also ridiculed Prince Harry over a separate scandal involving his charity Sentebale, further amplifying the couple’s public challenges. 🐝
The As Ever Brand: A Pivotal Moment Marred by Drama
Alongside With Love, Meghan, Meghan launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in early 2025, offering products like herbal teas, wildflower honey, and her signature raspberry jam. The brand, originally named American Riviera Orchard before being rebranded in February 2025, sold out its entire product line in under an hour, a success Prince Harry celebrated in an exclusive statement to People on April 15, 2025, saying, “I’m so happy for my wife.” Netflix, as a partner in the venture, hoped As Ever would cement Meghan’s status as a lifestyle influencer. However, the launch was not without its challenges. 🛍️
Reports emerged on April 2, 2025, from Daily Mail Online that Netflix staff working on the As Ever launch were “already over it,” frustrated by the drama surrounding the Sussexes. The couple’s high-profile status brought intense scrutiny, with every move dissected by the media and public. Meghan’s use of the HRH title on a gift card to a friend, revealed on April 29, 2025, by the BBC, sparked further debate, as the couple had agreed to stop using the title after stepping back from royal duties in 2020. While Meghan clarified that the title was not used to promote her brand or Netflix series, the incident reignited discussions about her relationship with the royal family. 🎁
Broader Implications: A Pattern of Controversy
The controversies surrounding With Love, Meghan and As Ever are part of a broader pattern of challenges for Harry and Meghan. Their Netflix deal, set to end in 2025, has produced mixed results, with most projects failing to replicate the success of Harry & Meghan. The couple’s other endeavors, such as the canceled animated series Pearl, which faced plagiarism claims from a British author in April 2025, have also drawn criticism. Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s legal battles, including a lost appeal for restored U.K. security on April 2025, and allegations of bullying at his charity Sentebale, have added to the couple’s public woes. 📰
Critics argue that the Sussexes’ lack of a cohesive strategy has hindered their success. As noted in a Fox News article on April 3, 2025, Meghan’s multiple ventures—from podcasting to lifestyle branding—often seem disconnected, leaving audiences unsure of her core mission. This “patchwork” approach, combined with the couple’s polarizing public image, has made it difficult for them to maintain consistent support. Yet, Netflix remains invested, with With Love, Meghan already renewed for a second season set to air later in 2025, featuring a guest appearance by chef José Andrés, a close friend of the couple. 🍴
A Divisive Yet Resilient Partnership
Despite the controversies, Harry and Meghan remain a formidable force. Their ability to generate global attention, even amid criticism, underscores their enduring influence. As the BBC noted on April 7, 2025, Meghan’s divisiveness may work to her advantage, keeping her in the spotlight as she builds her lifestyle empire. The couple’s focus on meaningful causes, such as supporting wildfire victims in Los Angeles alongside José Andrés in January 2025, also highlights their commitment to making a difference, even as they navigate public scrutiny. 🌟
The Netflix partnership with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is a testament to their ambition but also a reflection of the challenges they face as public figures transitioning into new roles. Whether they can overcome the controversies and carve out a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry remains to be seen. For now, their journey continues to captivate the world, proving that even in the face of backlash, the Sussexes are determined to tell their story on their own terms. 💪
