Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s reported return to the United Kingdom has prompted fresh scrutiny of the couple’s six-year attempt to establish themselves as major players in Hollywood. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in California after stepping away from royal duties in 2020, securing lucrative agreements with Netflix and Spotify while developing projects through Archewell Productions. However, several entertainment insiders now claim the couple failed to capitalize fully on their early opportunities.
One entertainment source offered a harsh assessment of Harry and Meghan’s relocation plans. “Good riddance to them… they have squandered all chances of making money here. [Plus] Harry needs to find a footing in the UK before his brother [Prince William] comes to the throne,” the insider told Page Six.
According to the outlet, several former Archewell employees have remained connected through text messages and jokingly consider themselves members of the “Sussex Survivors’ Club.” The label echoes previous reports of high staff turnover within the couple’s organization, although Harry and Meghan have not publicly addressed the latest characterization.
Another source claimed the couple struggled to create identities separate from their royal status. “There was a thirst for them to sort of find a way to maintain their royal lifestyle… in terms of how people interacted with them, and respected them and, you know, how they moved throughout the world,” the insider said. “And then I think it all fell apart because they never figured out who they were or who they wanted to be. Like the goalposts kept moving.”
The source continued, “She was the more thirsty of the two of them, honestly. Though I think they both wanted to prove a point to the royal family that they could be as meaningful as they believed themselves to be in the UK.”
Prince Harry’s Interest In Producing Is Questioned
5While Meghan pursued television, podcasting and lifestyle projects, one insider questioned whether Harry was ever genuinely interested in becoming a producer. “He’s not a producer. He doesn’t care about producing things. Like he’s always been about being of service and doing charity and giving back. He’s never had a business idea,” the source alleged.
Harry has remained heavily involved with charitable initiatives, including the Invictus Games and projects supporting veterans and mental health awareness.
The couple’s relationships with some of Hollywood’s most influential figures have also faced speculation. Harry and Meghan were initially close to Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, who provided them with accommodation and security after they left Canada for California.
However, an insider claimed those relationships may no longer be as strong. “I don’t know that they’re still friends with Tyler Perry,” they said. “I don’t think they really talk to Oprah anymore.“
Neither Perry nor Winfrey has publicly confirmed that their friendships with the couple have ended.
5When Harry and Meghan first entered Hollywood, they reportedly signed a Netflix agreement worth about $100 million. The partnership produced the successful docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” along with “Heart of Invictus,” “Polo” and Meghan’s lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan.” Netflix’s official listing confirms that the lifestyle program ran for two seasons.
The couple’s original arrangement was eventually replaced with a first-look agreement, while Netflix and Meghan’s As Ever lifestyle company later ended their commercial partnership. As Ever subsequently announced that it would operate independently.
Harry and Meghan also signed a reported $25 million Spotify agreement. The parties “mutually agreed to part ways” in 2023 after Meghan released one season of her “Archetypes” podcast.
Meghan Markle’s WME Relationship Faced Speculation
5Questions also emerged about Meghan’s relationship with talent agency WME. Reports previously claimed that the agency had stopped working directly with her, although WME denied dropping the duchess. “WME continues to represent Meghan and Archewell,” the company said at the time.
One insider nevertheless claimed, “Ari was done with her.” Another source alleged that WME executive Ari Emanuel personally contacted the Sussexes after Meghan criticized the work being completed on her behalf.
According to the source, Emanuel “personally sent an email to Harry and Meghan, [saying], you’re nitpicking this team that we put together for you. I’ve looked over the work, and everything they’ve done for you. I’m content and happy with it. We’re not the right fit.”
“They stopped working together. Nobody was working on Meghan’s stuff,” another insider claimed.
Meghan has continued pursuing acting opportunities and is connected to the upcoming film “Close Personal Friends,” starring Brie Larson, Jack Quaid and Lily Collins. Reports indicate that the duchess will appear as herself.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Prepare Their Children For Life In The UK
5Harry and Meghan are now expected to spend an extended period in the United Kingdom, where Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will reportedly begin school in September. Friends of the couple said, “They are spending more time there this fall after a lovely visit this summer. They want their kids to experience more of it and to spend more time with extended family and friends.”
The relocation follows a family visit during which the Sussex children reportedly spent time with King Charles. Although Harry’s relationship with his father appears to be improving, his rift with Prince William reportedly remains unresolved.
