Key facts
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's move to California aimed for financial independence and privacy.
- Their multi-year Spotify deal, reportedly worth up to $25 million, produced Meghan's podcast "Archetypes."
- Spotify and Archewell Audio mutually agreed to part ways in 2023.
- Their five-year Netflix deal, reportedly worth $60 million to $100 million, has been renegotiated for less lucrative terms.
- Harry's memoir "Spare" was a commercial success with a reported $20 million advance.
- Meghan's lifestyle series "With Love, Meghan" was cancelled, though nominated for an Emmy.
- Netflix also ended its involvement with Meghan's lifestyle brand "As Ever."
- The couple continues to have projects in development, including a documentary and a scripted series.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's pursuit of an "American dream" in California has faced significant challenges, with their entertainment ventures struggling to maintain momentum after initial high-profile deals. Upon leaving their roles as working royals in 2020 and moving to Montecito, Harry and Meghan sought financial independence and privacy, leveraging their royal status in the competitive Hollywood landscape.
Their multi-year Spotify deal, reportedly worth up to $25 million, resulted in Meghan's podcast "Archetypes." However, the partnership concluded in 2023 by mutual agreement. Similarly, their five-year Netflix deal, initially valued between $60 million and $100 million, has reportedly been renegotiated for less lucrative terms amidst a broader downturn in the entertainment industry.
Prince Harry achieved considerable success with his memoir "Spare," which reportedly came with a $20 million advance. He also continued his work with BetterUp and co-created the Apple TV+ series "The Me You Can't See." His Netflix projects, such as "Heart of Invictus" and "Polo," focused on his established interests but did not garner the attention of the couple's documentary series "Harry & Meghan" or his book.
Meghan Markle's lifestyle series "With Love, Meghan" was cancelled after two seasons, despite an Emmy nomination, and Netflix also ended its involvement with her lifestyle brand "As Ever." Critics have assailed the curated lifestyle presented in her projects, though negative publicity has kept her visible.
Industry experts note that while fame can open doors in Hollywood, sustained success requires strong support and a challenging market. Despite reports of high staff turnover within their production company and a perceived struggle to break out of their royal typecast, the couple continues to have projects in development, including a documentary about Girl Scouts and a scripted series.