From Change Makers to Check Chasers: New Documentary Tears Into Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Philanthropy as a 'Hollow PR Stunt'

A new documentary about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle called Harry: The Lost Prince is set to air on the German network ZDF on Tuesday, December 3, and is already promising "bombshell revelations."

The program is reported to cover Harry's life since 2020's "Megxit" and how Meghan played a "seismic role" in the wayward Duke's future trajectory. The doc also reportedly explores the pair's philanthropic work post-royalty, which may be nothing more than a "hollow PR stunt," in the words of one royal insider.

PR expert Ryan McCormick shared his thoughts with an outlet by stating, "If the special does not get a healthy amount of viewers, it would be a foretelling sign that Harry and Meghan’s popularity has truly waned."

He suggested that the stakes are particularly high, explaining, "If the documentary reveals fresh scandals and portrays the duo as opportunists seeking to return to the well of royal family secrets (which once propelled them to pique public interest), it will be a calamity for any reconciliation with Buckingham Palace. It will also hurt their reputation and likability."

However, the analyst also highlighted a potential silver lining, remarking, "If the film shows the royal exiles as down-to-earth, relatable, and with humor, it could be a tremendous boost to how they are perceived."

The show will also depict how the British royal family has changed since Queen Elizabeth II's September 2022 death, and King Charles III's taking the reins of the monarchy. The King and Kate, Princess of Wales' cancer battles, and how the continued Sussex attacks during this fraught time will also be covered.

The ZDF network shared, "The royal family has to deal with difficult developments and regroup after 'Megxit,' the death of the Queen and Charles and Kate’s cancer. What role will Harry play in the future? Even in his self-imposed exile in Montecito, California, he remains a figure of public interest. His commitment to charitable organizations — such as the Invictus Games he founded for wounded servicemen and women — always puts him in the spotlight."

The film's director Ulrike Grunewald dished, "Harry: The Lost Prince will look into one of the most heartbreaking periods of the royal family since the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936. The most damaging allegations can only come from within."

The filmmaker also touched upon the "eternal one-sidedness" of the Sussex claims against the royals who maintain their "never complain, never explain" stance on the rift.

"Revelations that shock the royal family only come out of Prince Harry‘s or Meghan Markle‘s mouths," she said. "She [Meghan] might be embarrassed about the amount of criticism she now gets even in communities that used to back her after the decision to leave the royal family as a working member."

Geo News reported on McCormick's remarks.