Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's rep responds to report about Netflix deal: 'Categorically false'

Leigh BlickleyWed, March 18, 2026 at 4:23 PM UTC

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in their Netflix docuseries.Credit: Courtesy of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex/Netflix

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are shooting down reports that Netflix was blindsided by some of their other projects.

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex disputed a Variety account claiming Netflix was upset about the couple’s tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, which occurred while they were in production with the streamer on the six-episode docuseries Harry & Meghan.

Although they didn't breach their contract, Netflix was allegedly perturbed by Harry and Meghan’s "poor communication" over their company Archewell’s dealings.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey in 2021.Credit: Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions

The couple's rep, however, told Variety that the idea that Netflix was unaware of the Winfrey interview was "categorically false."

Regarding the deal, the rep added that "Netflix and Archewell had legal counsel involved to oversee the evolution of the deal, as is common practice for any deal changes in Hollywood."

Variety also reported that Netflix was wary of Harry's desire to release a memoir during the course of their deal. That book, Spare, was ultimately released in January 2023.

Netflix reportedly raised questions about how a potential book deal might affect the rollout of Harry & Meghan, with sources telling Variety that Meghan allegedly downplayed the prospect at the time to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. She reportedly suggested any publication would be far in the future, if it happened at all.

A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex disputed that characterization, calling it "categorically untrue" and saying there was open communication with Netflix months in advance to coordinate the timing of the book and the series.

The docuseries was released in December 2022, a month ahead of Spare’s debut. A Netflix insider told Variety that the rollout was always the plan.

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Variety’s insider report comes after Netflix cut ties with Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, earlier this month.

A Netflix spokesperson confirmed that Meghan would continue to "independently" grow her brand. The streamer had invested in As Ever ahead of its launch and hosted her at-home lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in episode 105 of 'With Love, Meghan'Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

“Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere," Bela Bajaria, Netflix's chief content officer, said at the time. "The response to their work speaks for itself... we’re excited to continue our partnership with Archewell Productions and to entertain our members together.”

According to Variety, however, the relationship between the Sussexes and the streamer has soured since initially signing their production deal in September 2020, shortly after the pair stepped back from their royal roles and relocated to Montecito, California.

Even though Harry & Meghan was a ratings success — with Netflix touting 81.55 million viewing hours of the first three episodes in its first four days of release — lackluster numbers for shows like With Love, Meghan have allegedly led to doubts that e-commerce is the best way for Netflix to stay in business with the couple.

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Still, a Netflix spokesperson told Variety that it is "absolutely inaccurate" that Sarandos and Bajaria are no longer confident in their partnership with Harry and Meghan.

“Archewell has been a thoughtful and collaborative partner, “ Bajaria told Variety, “and we’ve really enjoyed working with Harry and Meghan. They’re deeply engaged in the storytelling process and bring a unique, global perspective that aligns with the kinds of impactful projects our members respond to.”

on Entertainment Weekly

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