Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Netflix Doc Could Make Them Look "Spiteful and Jealous," Royal Expert Says
That would be sub-ideal.
In the explosive second trailer for Netflix Harry & Meghan, Prince Harry says, "There's a hierarchy of the family. You know, there's leaking... but there's also planting of stories."
Whether intentionally or not, Harry and Meghan Markle's docuseries is set to heavily disrupt the business-as-usual attitude of the Royal Family in Britain, and royal expert Jonathan Sacerdoti calls the Sussexes' decision to move forward with this show an "attack" against the working royals.
For him, what we know so far about the series—which drops its first batch on Dec. 8, and its second on Dec. 15—could reflect badly on Harry, perhaps making him look like he's jealous of his brother's standing in the royal pecking order.
"It seems to me that jealousy may be behind much of this attack," Sacerdoti tells Marie Claire.
"Harry complains of the hierarchy in the Royal Family, as if he’s unique in realizing that a family where people are literally numbered in the line of succession according to their importance might have a pecking order."
In particular, Sacerdoti picks out the inclusion of photos of Prince William and Princess Kate in the two trailers released in recent days as likely to tell us what we can expect from the actual episodes.
"The trailers have both featured shots of the Princess of Wales, and it seems William and Catherine might come in for specific attack," the expert continues.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"If that is the case, it’s really quite bad for Meghan and Harry, because it makes them look spiteful and jealous. They always said they were all about compassion, but it certainly doesn’t look that way."
Sacerdoti also takes issue with the planning of this project as the late Queen's health declined. For him, "The couple have nothing to sell but controversy and drama."
For reference, in the Sussexes' Oprah interview in 2021, they revealed a series of bombshells, including an accusation of racism against the royals, and the duchess' struggle with suicidality during her time in the U.K.
Many expect that Harry & Meghan will go even further than that interview did, though nobody outside of those involved in its production knows what it contains at this stage.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Blue Ivy Carter’s ‘Mufasa’ Makeup Is Causing Controversy
Allow Black girls to experiment with beauty in peace.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Jennifer Lopez and Her Floor-Length Sleeves Single-Handedly Revive the Boho Trend
The star looked like a child of the '70s in a Chloé onesie.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter's Micro Shorts Are a Slice of Fashion History
She was brave to trot it out at the height of winter.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Every Time the Royal Family Broke Protocol in 2024, From Minor Rule Changes to Huge Mistakes
Meet the usual suspects: King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Camilla's Son Reveals He "Learned a Long Time Ago" to Stay Out of Prince William and Prince Harry's "World"
Tom Parker Bowles said "it was appalling what they went through."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Is Allegedly Still "Very, Very Angry" About Royal Rift, But Kate Middleton Is Pushing For "Reconciliation"
"Never give up hope, there's always a chance."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry's "Despair" at Online Trolls "Trying to Make Trouble" For His Family Is Understandable, Says Royal Expert
"He says he is happy. I believe him."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Reveals Impressive Hidden Skill in New Netflix Documentary With Prince Harry
What can't she do?
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Kate Middleton's Family Played a "Pivotal" Role in the Royal Family's Most "Traumatic Year"
Princess Kate's parents have reportedly been "very welcomed into the royal fold."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Eugenie Could Spend Christmas With Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in California
"She has also been invited to Sandringham."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Prince Louis Helped Kate Middleton Pull Off a Major Christmas Surprise for Princess Charlotte
Best little brother ever.
By Kristin Contino Published