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Netflix Stalls Release of Sussexes’ Docuseries Due to Lack of Content, Says Royal Expert
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's much-anticipated docuseries on Netflix may face a delay, but it is not due to the couple's desire to postpone it.
Instead, a lack of content is reportedly causing Netflix to stall the release.
Rumors circulated this week that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wanted to delay the series following the Queen's passing, in an effort to downplay their remarks about King Charles III and avoid appearing insensitive.
However, royal expert Neil Sean has disputed these claims, asserting that it is Netflix, not the Sussexes, who are behind the decision.
During an appearance on Fox Business in the US, Mr. Sean revealed that the real reason for the delay is the insufficient amount of content available.
He dismissed reports suggesting that the couple wanted to remove unfavorable comments about the royal family, stating that they were inaccurate.
According to Mr. Sean, a reliable source informed him that there simply isn't enough material for the docuseries.
While footage from the Invictus Games in the Netherlands and a brief segment from their visit to New York exist, the couple is unable to use footage from the Queen's state funeral.
Additionally, there is some footage from their attendance at the Platinum Jubilee.
These limited resources have left Netflix wondering how to proceed.
Sources previously shared with Page Six in the US that Harry and Meghan were attempting to push the series release to 2023, similar to their strategy with Harry's memoir published by Penguin Random House.
The plan was to air the production in December, just a month after the fifth season of the popular show, The Crown.
One source expressed doubts about the fate of the series, questioning whether Harry and Meghan simply want to shelve it altogether.
An insider from Netflix also disclosed that there is immense pressure on Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, who has a close relationship with the couple, to complete the show.
In the midst of these developments, reports from the Mail on Sunday today suggested that efforts are being made to prevent Prince Harry from publishing his memoir.
Palace insiders express deep concern that the book may contain damaging revelations, despite claims that Harry intends to tone it down following the Queen's passing.
Uchwell Productions, the Sussexes' production company dedicated to creating Netflix content, had planned for Pearl to be one of their projects.
However, the cancellation of Pearl did not seem to impact other productions, despite a decline in Netflix subscribers.
The Sussexes' docuseries, titled Heart of Invictus, will focus on Prince Harry's Invictus Games.
It will showcase the athletes' preparation leading up to the event, which took place in April of last year.
The couple signed their Netflix deal in April 2020, but they have yet to release a completed product.
The demise of Pearl highlights the significant changes that have occurred at Netflix and in Hollywood over the past few months.
In April, Netflix experienced a reported $60 billion drop in market value in a single day, reflecting the challenges faced by the entire entertainment industry.
