Not on Netflix's Dime: Streamer 'Wants Payback' From Meghan Markle and Prince Harry After Shelling Out Millions for Content
In the wake of Meghan Markle's glossy new product line rollout, Netflix is said to be "livid" that the ex-actress and Prince Harry "dared" to focus on anything other than their deal with the streamer.
"Netflix has given a $100 million dollar contract to the Sussexes, and now the Sussexes are going to have to start singing for their supper because Netflix wants payback," royal expert Michael Cole dished. "They don't give away all that money for nothing."
"Prince Harry is going to do this polo series, and she's going to do this lifestyle series, but it won't be shot at their house or their hilltop Camelot in Montecito," he added. "It will be shot at a very nice house nearby, but not their own. One of the ways they're earning their living is by selling themselves, that is their unique selling point. The fact that they have royal status."
He continued: "And they're going to have to work at it, very hard, because they have a very expensive lifestyle. Security alone must cost a fortune. Three shifts a day of burly men guarding the perimeter of their house. Now, that burns through a lot of money."
When asked by GBN's Martin Daubney if Meghan's new product from American Rivera Orchard would catch on with the public, Cole stated: "I think it will. People will sign up for it. I hope the jam tastes nice, not too sugary. If it's good, then it will sell. But it really is quite a step down from the pedestal they were once on."
The veteran royal reporter then went on to highlight exactly what he feels the Duchess of Sussex's new brand means to her.
"Really what this is, is the development of the blog she had before she was engaged, which was called The Tig. It had to do with a special sort of Spanish wine that she liked. But she closed that down for the very simple reason that when she half joined the British royal family, she was told she could not exploit her royal status for commercial gain, or allow others to do so."
The Suits star launched the brand on March 14, which coincided with a special event for Princes Harry and William.
Some analysts feel that the rollout of the line during that evening's Diana Awards was planned on Meghan's part.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex both released videos before and during Prince William's in-person tribute to his late mother at the ceremony.
This was followed by the Duke of Sussex, with Meghan, dropping a video announcing the winner of their $100,000 NAACP — Archewell Foundation Digital Civil Rights Award, which timed with the Prince of Wales' speech.