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
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
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.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published