Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Reportedly Can't Comment on 'The Crown' Because of Their Netflix Deal
Criticizing the drama's portrayal of Harry's parents would be a "conflict of interest."
- Palace sources have suggested that the royal family doesn't care for the newest season of Netflix's drama, The Crown.
- The fourth season covers the early years of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's relationship, as well as her struggles with bulimia and his infidelity.
- While sources have specifically described Prince William's feelings about the series, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's camp has remained silent. Royal commentators believe this is because it would be a conflict of interest for the couple to criticize the show in light of their own deal with Netflix.
Royals don't often comment publicly on portrayals of themselves in the media, but sources close to the royal family have suggested they're not pleased with the most reason season of The Crown. The latest installment of the Netflix drama covers the early years of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's relationship, as well as her struggles with bulimia and his infidelity, so it's not shocking that the royals wouldn't love the show right now.
Prince William is definitely not a fan of the series, a royal source told the Daily Mail.
"The Duke of Cambridge [Prince William] is none too pleased with it. He feels that both his parents are being exploited and being presented in a false, simplistic way to make money," the source said.
While it's likely Prince Harry feels similarly about the series and its portrayal of his late mother in particular, his and Meghan Markle's opinions about the show may never really be known, thanks to their production deal with Netflix.
Royal commentators have suggested that the couple's Netflix affiliation could mean they aren't allowed to publicly criticize the series. According to the Mirror, talkRADIO host Mike Graham and journalist Olivia Utley discussed this very issue earlier this week.
"Meghan and Harry are in a bit of trouble with this over the fact Harry has said nothing about the way in which his mother and father have been portrayed in this series," Graham said.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Utley agreed, saying that she thinks Harry "has got himself into some hot water" and "can't really say anything" about The Crown because of his and Meghan's Netflix deal. What's more, she doesn't think this will be the last time the deal results in a conflict of interest for the couple.
"Netflix is where their next paycheck is coming from," she explained. "Prince Harry is going to find himself in situations like this surely over and over again. How could he have just run off to Hollywood and not realized there are going to be huge consequences? There are going to be massive conflicts of interest all the time."
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. 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.
-
Taylor Swift Styles a Breezy Loewe Dress for a Special Surprise Visit
She made their day.
-
After Season 2's Controversial Ending, Will 'The Devil's Plan' Return for Season 3?
Fans have a lot of thoughts about where the Korean reality show should go.
-
Sydney Sweeney Makes (Faux) Fur Work for Summer
She wear anything she sets her mind to.
-
Body Language Expert Reveals Queen Elizabeth "Truly Embraced" Meghan Markle During Rare Joint Appearance as a "Double Act" in 2018
"The fact that the two of them were appearing together...was quite unique."
-
Why Princess Diana Once "Canceled Lunch" at Kensington Palace to Take Prince William and Prince Harry to McDonald's
A former royal chef revealed the relatable reason Diana took her kids to the popular fast food chain.
-
Prince William and Prince Harry Could Be "Tempted" to Secretly Bid on Their Mother's Outfits in New Auction
Who could blame them?
-
How a "Last-Minute" Message Called an Urgent "Ceasefire" Between Prince Harry and Prince William After Queen Elizabeth Died
"They are better and stronger together than they are apart."
-
How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Paid Tribute to Princess Diana With Princess Lilibet's 4th Birthday Celebration
The Sussexes spent "two days of pure joy" at Disneyland with their children.
-
Prince William Says Family Can Be a "Mixed Bag" Amid Rift With Prince Harry
The Prince of Wales referenced tough family dynamics during a chat with soldiers.
-
Princess Lilibet Has Prince Harry's Eyes in Adorable New Fourth Birthday Photos
Proud mom Meghan shared some unseen photos of Lili—and she looks just like her dad.
-
All About Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Two Rescue Dogs, Mamma Mia and Pula
Prince Harry says the pair are "emotional support dogs 100 percent, when they're behaving."