- Even though their Netflix deal is massive, it apparently wasn't Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first choice for their post-royal career paths.
- The couple wanted to launch a global SussexRoyal brand, but the move was blocked by the Queen, royal experts Roberta Fiorito and Rachel Bowie pointed out on their Royally Obsessed podcast.
- This could explain why Harry and Meghan reportedly kept the Netflix deal a secret from the Queen until it was publicly announced.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set the tone for their post-royal lives when they announced their multimillion-dollar production deal with Netflix. The Sussexes will be working with the streaming giant to produce documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted shows, and children's programming.
The deal, said to be worth as much as $240 million, has allowed the couple to achieve their goal of financial independence from the royal family, but forming a production company wasn't Harry and Meghan's first choice for their post-royal career paths, apparently.
On their Royally Obsessed podcast, hosts and royal experts Roberta Fiorito and Rachel Bowie discussed the deal—and what the Sussexes originally planned to do after their royal exit.
"It must have felt kind of nice to put in writing and release that information that they haven't been receiving any money," Fiorito said, according to Express. "It confirms that they are doing this on their own and they planned for that and are going to be alright."
"I didn't expect it to be so so quickly. Six months later, they're already wiping their hands of the Royal Family's coffers," Bowie added. "What struck me as most surprising is how quickly they were able to follow through their plans. They essentially said, 'we laid out these plans, and it's not going to be a year, we're done'. They mean business."
This is where Fiorito pointed out that the Netflix deal was actually Plan B for the Sussexes—and the role the Queen played in forcing them to scrap Plan A.
"They also had to pivot from their full plan. They were going to do SussexRoyal, but the Queen put a stop to that," she explained. "They really had a different idea in their heads in January of how this would all go. So I'm curious how long the Netflix deal has been in discussions, but I feel like they have made things happen."
It's possible that Harry and Meghan's experiences trying—and failing—to launch their SussexRoyal brand played a role in the way they rolled out news of their Netflix deal. According to a report from The Sun, the couple didn't tell the Queen about the Netflix deal before the news was announced publicly, which means the royal family didn't have a chance to weigh in on—or try to block—the move.
"Harry did not inform the Queen about the Netflix deal," a royal source said. "Her Majesty is all too aware of the pitfalls of when senior royals embark on lucrative projects—Prince Edwards’ production flop and some of the deals Sarah Ferguson has signed over the years to name a few. Her view is simple, the Royals are not for sale and danger surrounds high profile roles outside of the institution itself. But knowing her grandson Harry as she does, the Queen will know there would have been little chance of talking Harry and Meghan out of it."
Meghan Markle's Most Iconic Fashion Moments
March 9, 2020
Meghan and Prince Harry attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey with all of the royal family. Meghan is wearing a custom Emilia Wickstead dress and carrying a Gabriela Hearst Demi bag; she's also wearing Birks earrings and Aquazzura heels.
March 8, 2020
The Duchess of Sussex visits the Robert Clack School for International Women's Day. Meghan is wearing a ME+EM jacket, a Cuyana T-shirt, a Rejina Pyo bag, and Jennifer Chamandi pumps.
March 7, 2020
Meghan arrives with Prince Harry at the Mountbatten Music Festival. She is wearing a Safiyaa dress, Simone Rocha earrings, and a Manolo Blahnik clutch.
March 5, 2020
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive to the Endeavour Fund Awards. The Duchess of Sussex is wearing a blue tonal look in a Victoria Beckham pencil dress, Manolo Blahnik pumps, a Jessica McCormack bracelet, and a Stella McCartney clutch.
January 7, 2020
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive at Canada House in London for their first 2020 appearance. She is seen wearing a Reiss Coat, Massimo Dutti turtleneck and skirt, and Jimmy Choo Romy pumps.
November 9, 2019
Meghan steps out in a bespoke Erdem dress, her favorite Aquazzura heels, and Jessica McCormack earrings, for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
November 7, 2019
The Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. She wore a Sentaler coat, a Phillip Treacy hat, Tamara Mellon boots, and Dents gloves.
October 25, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a panel discussion on gender equality with The Queen's Commonwealth Trust. Meghan is wearing a monochromatic look in a Joseph sweater, a Hugo Boss leather skirt, Sarah Flint pumps, and Emily Mortimer stud earrings.
October 22, 2019
Meghan Markle arrives to the One Young World Summit in an Aritzia dress paired with Manolo Blahnik pumps.
October 15, 2019
Meghan Markle recycles her engagement dress to WellChild Awards, a charity for seriously ill children and their families. She pairs her P.A.R.O.S.H. dress with a Sentaler coat and Montunas bag.
October 2, 2019
For a South African engagement to visit the Youth Employment Services in South Africa, the Duchess of Sussex steps out in Hannah Lavery shirt dress, Madewell earrings, and Stuart Weitzman pumps.
September 30, 2019
Meghan Markle steps out during a visit to Monwabisi Beach with Prince Harry. She paired her Madewell denim jacket with Brother Vellies Huarache sandals.
September 25, 2019
During the royal tour in South African, Meghan wore an Everlane black jumpsuit and Gas Bijoux gold statement earrings.
September 25, 2019
Meghan and Archie step out for Archie's first royal engagement during the tour in South Africa. She wore a Club Monaco dress and a pair of Jennifer Meyer turquoise earrings.
September 24, 2019
Meghan chose a Staud dress, Cuyana scarf and Sam Edelman flats for the visit at Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day with Prince Harry.
September 23, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit District 6 Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. Meghan wore a Veronica Beard blue button-down dress and Castañer espadrilles.
September 12, 2019
The Duchess Of Sussex attends the launch of the Smart Works Capsule Collection, while wearing a Misha Nonoo button-down and wearing butterfly earrings and a cuff that once belonged to Princess Diana.
July 14, 2019
The Duke and Duchess walk the red carpet for the Lion King premiere in London. Meghan wears a Jason Wu dress and Nikos Koulis earrings with a Gucci clutch.
July 13, 2019
The Duchess of Sussex enjoys Wimbledon in her Le Specs sunglasses and Jennifer Meyer earrings.
July 4, 2019
Meghan Markle attends Wimbledon to watch her friend Serena Williams. She wore her L'Agence blazer and Finlay sunglasses, and a delicate necklace with an A for Archie.
June 8, 2019
Meghan Markle steps out for her first royal appearance since giving birth. She attends the 2019 Trooping the Colour with Prince Harry in a Givenchy dress and hat by Noelle Stewart.
May 8, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex present their baby, Archie, to the world. She wears a Wales Bonner trench coat dress, Manolo Blahnik pumps, and Jennifer Meyer necklace.
March 19, 2019
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive at New Zealand House in London to pay tribute to the victims of the New Zealand terrorist attacks. Meghan wears a vintage black cape, Gucci clutch and Aquazzura black cut-out pumps.
March 11, 2019
Meghan wore a Victoria Beckham dress, coat, clutch, and shoes to the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.
March 11, 2019
The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex attend a Commonwealth Day youth event at Canada House. The Duchess wore a Erdem set, Givenchy clutch, Aquazzura heels, and Birks earrings.
March 8, 2019
Meghan wore a Reiss printed dress, an Alexander McQueen blazer, a Stella McCartney clutch and Manolo Blahnik pumps to the International Women's Day panel discussion.
February 24, 2019
The Duchess Of Sussex wore Dior head to toe and Birks earrings while visiting Morocco.
February 24, 2019
The Duke and Duchess arrive to the "Education For All" boarding house in Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Meghan wore an Alice and Olivia blazer and Birdies slippers.
February 23, 2019
The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex visit Morocco. Meghan wore a Valentino dress, a Valentino clutch, and Gianvito Rossi gloves and pumps to meet the Crown Prince of Morocco, Moulay Hassan.
February 20, 2019
Meghan arrives at The Mark Hotel in New York City. She is seen wearing Cuyana Bag, a Jennifer Meyer necklace, and Adidas sneakers.
January 30, 2019
Meghan Markle visits the National Theatre wearing a Brandon Maxwell dress and blazer, a Carolina Herrera clutch, and Aquazzura pumps.
January 14, 2019
Meghan wears a Sentaler coat, an Artizia dress, a Gabriela Hearst bag, and Stuart Weitzman red pumps to visit a new statue of poet Wilfred Owen.
January 10, 2019
The Duchess of Sussex visits Smart Works wearing Kimai earrings.
December 10, 2018
Meghan appears at the Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall. The Duchess wore a Givenchy dress, Tamara Mellon heels, Pippa Small earrings and bangles.
November 19, 2018
Meghan wore Safiyaa dress and Gianvito Rossi pumps to the The Royal Variety Performance 2018.
October 30, 2018
Prince Harry and Meghan visit New Zealand; both are wearing Muck boots.
October 29, 2018
Harry and Meghan visiting New Zealand during their Autumn tour Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. Meghan opted for Adidas Stan Smith sneakers for this occasion.
October 27, 2018
Meghan Markle attended the wheelchair basketball game wearing a Scanlan Theodore top and Sarah Flint pumps.
October 27, 2018
For the Invictus Games Closing ceremony, Meghan wore an Antonio Berardi Tuxedo dress and Aquazzura pumps.
October 26, 2018
Meghan visits Tupou College wearing Adina Reyter earrings.
October 24, 2018
Meghan wore a Figue dress with Castañer espadrilles during their visit to Suva, Fiji.
October 22, 2018
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their royal tour in Australia. The duchess steps out in a Reformation dress with Sarah Flint sandals.
October 21, 2018
Meghan spotted wearing Veja sneakers during day two the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia.
October 21, 2018
Meghan Markle attended a reception hosted by the Prime Minister of Australia at The Pavilion Restaurant, wearing White Blazer, Oroton bag, and Aquazzura pumps.
October 18, 2018
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit south Melbourne Beach during their 16 day Autumn tour. Meghan wore an a-line Club Monaco dress, Martin Grant trench coat, and Rothy's flats.
October 3, 201
Meghan wore Hugo Boss leather skirt, Gabriela Hearst bag, and Stuart Weitzman pumps.
September 6, 2018
The Duchess of Sussex attended "100 Days of Peace", she wore a Jason Wu blue dress, Aquazzura pumps, Birks earrings, and bespoke Dior bag.
August 29, 2018
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a gala performance of "Hamilton". The Duchess wore Judith & Charles Blazer dress, Paul Andrew pumps, and Shaun Leane earrings.
July 26, 2018
Meghan Markle wore a Carolina Herrera denim wrap dress, Birks earrings, J Crew bag, and Aquazzura pumps to the Sentebale Polo in 2018.
July 9, 2018
For christening of Prince Louis of Cambridge, Meghan wore Ralph Lauren dress, Stephen Jones hat, and LK Bennett pumps.
July 5, 2018
Duchess of Sussex attend the Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge. She wore Brandon Maxwell dress, Manolo Blahnik pumps, and Adina Reyter earrings.
July 14, 2018
The Duchess of Sussex attended the Wimbledon Championship wearing Ralph Lauren Top and Bottoms, Maison Michel hat, and Illesteva sunglasses.
June 26, 2018
The Duchess and Duke of Sussex with the Queen at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony wearing Prada top and skirt and Aquazzura pumps.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
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