Prince Harry’s recent decision regarding the Sussexes’ partnership with Netflix has reportedly left some sources feeling disappointed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex entered into a lucrative contract with the streaming platform in 2020 after stepping down from their roles as working royals. Despite this agreement, the couple is pursuing separate projects for Netflix.
Their inaugural series, Harry & Meghan, was a tremendous success, breaking multiple records on the platform. However, it has been more than a year and a half since its release in December 2022, and the couple has yet to produce another collaborative project for Netflix.
Harry did release Heart of the Invictus in 2023, but it did not achieve the same level of success as their initial docuseries.
Currently, the Duke of Sussex is working on a solo project titled Polo. However, sources indicate that Harry will not play a significant role in the program, which will instead focus on his close friend, polo player Nacho Figueras.
A source told the Mail: “Any reasonable person tuning into a show about polo made by Prince Harry would expect Harry to take a starring role.
“That he’s not is hugely disappointing for Netflix. Let’s face it, polo isn’t exactly a mainstream sport so the attraction would have been watching Harry. Without him, it’s marginal at best.
“The Netflix deal expires next year, so the Sussexes need a big hit. This sounds like a big nothing burger.”
Another insider said: “For a show about a sport of kings, polo barely features any royalty. It’s not the Harry show, it’s the Nacho show.”
While a third source is quoted as saying: “Nice of Harry to do his mate a favour.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s contract with Netflix is set to expire in 2025.
Reports suggest that the couple is on a crucial deadline to impress executives at the streaming giant, as their contract may not be renewed unless they can deliver another project that matches the success of their debut series, Harry & Meghan.