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.
-
Clear Your Calendars Because 'Love Island USA' Returns for Season 7 Next Month
We can't wait to head back to the villa.
-
The Zara Edit I'm Predicting Everyone Will Be Wearing Next Month
25 finds under $100 with the It girl look.
-
Gigi Hadid Taps Gez Z's Favorite DIY Denim Trend
The picture of casual-cool style.
-
Prince Harry Spends Prince Archie's Birthday Honoring Princess Diana's Legacy After Bombshell BBC Interview
"This generation isn’t waiting for permission to lead — they are already doing it."
-
Why King Charles Is Reportedly "Frustrated and Upset" by Prince Harry’s Security Appeal
Charles is also reportedly upset with Harry "on a more personal level."
-
Prince Harry's Years-Long Battle to Reinstate His Security Has Ended After Judge Dismisses Case
The Duke of Sussex faced a major blow in his bid to protect himself and his family in the U.K.
-
Princess Diana "Insisted" Prince Harry and Prince William Buck One Tradition That Prince George Is Facing
The late princess took control when it came to this aspect of her sons' lives.
-
Meghan Markle Used Her Outfits to Send Messages When She Couldn’t, She Says
The Duchess of Sussex reflected on the impact of her clothing at a time when she "wasn't out talking."
-
Meghan Markle Says This Feature Prevented Her From Modeling as It Wasn't "A Sign of Beauty"
The Duchess of Sussex opened up about the early days of her career in her new podcast.
-
Meghan Markle Shares Oprah's Advice About Starting a Business
The iconic talk show host helped the duchess find herself in jam.
-
Why Meghan Markle Sends "Secret Emails" to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet "Every Night"
Meghan and Harry's kids will be able to access the emails "maybe when they're 16 or...18."