Royal Turbulence Brewing: King Charles 'Horrified' at What Meghan Markle and Prince Harry May Do If Netflix Pulls Cord on Struggling Duo

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could very likely lose their megawatt, yet "underperforming" Netflix deal, when it expires after five years next fall.

Reports suggest this news has "three steps ahead" King Charles III "horrified" by any potential vindictiveness the rebel duo could unleash upon his royal court purely "out of spite" at being rejected by another major company.

Journalist and broadcaster Dan Wootton revealed that a palace source confided in him, "This is the King’s worst nightmare — he's horrified."

"After years of flops and non-deliveries, the Netflix hammer blow is coming, with Puck’s highly connected newsletter – edited by the former editorial director of The Hollywood Reporter Matthew Belloni — confirming long-suspected rumors I first reported last June that 'the streamer is not expected to renew its five-year, $100million (£76million) deal signed in 2020," Wootton penned in a column.

This follows reports suggesting Meghan is awaiting Netflix's schedule before launching her much-anticipated lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand first surfaced in March when the former actress sent numbered, limited-edition jam pots to her celebrity friends as a teaser.

Radio silence has surrounded the much-hyped product line ever since.

However, sources indicate that Netflix's release timeline for Meghan's upcoming cooking and homemaking show, which complements the brand, is causing delays. The show, part of a $100 million dollar deal signed way back in the autumn of 2020, has already been filmed but lacks a confirmed release date.

A senior entertainment executive emphasized the importance of adhering to Netflix's schedule, stating: "Everyone has to abide by Netflix’s schedule these days. They are by far the biggest player in town."

This sentiment underscores the significant influence Netflix holds over the timing of the brand's launch, which is now rumored to be delayed until May of next year.

The source added: "There is literally no point in Meghan doing anything until Netflix is ready to act."

In addition to the scheduling issues, Meghan's brand has reportedly encountered complications with the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office, which issued "Notices of Irregularities" regarding the brand's trademark applications.

A source familiar with the situation clarified that these irregularities are "typical and entirely expected due to discrepancies between U.S. and U.K. classification of goods." The source also mentioned that any fees related to these delays, totaling nearly 9,000, pounds have been paid, ensuring that the process remains on track.

Daily Express reported on Wootton's remarks.