Amidst great anticipation and extensive announcements, reports have surfaced suggesting that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are actively engaged in developing two Netflix productions under their Archewell Productions banner.
The couple themselves have disclosed this endeavor, although Netflix has been reticent to confirm, possibly due to declining interest. Particularly intriguing is the rumored polo series, which has raised questions. Archewell Productions, established post their departure from royal duties, aims to delve into the dynamic world of polo, highlighting its passion and challenges.
However, doubts arise regarding Harry's qualifications as a polo player, casting uncertainty on his involvement. Additionally, filming restrictions at traditional polo venues present challenges, prompting the exploration of alternative locations such as Florida. While the Santa Barbara Polo and Racket Club near their residence would be ideal, concerns about privacy from its affluent members have hindered collaboration, fearing it might compromise the club's exclusivity.
A royal commentator suggests that this Netflix polo project signifies the company's last-ditch effort to leverage their purported $100 million deal with Harry and Meghan, portraying it as a desperate bid to extract value from Prince Harry, according to Royal expert Kinsey Scoffield.
Since entering into a partnership with Netflix in 2020, the couple has delivered only three notable productions, falling short of the original agreement which included children's shows, scripted series, films, and documentaries. Of these, only the Invictus Games documentary garnered significant attention due to its royal controversy.
Their much-publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey emerged as their most prominent release, drawing viewers eager for royal insights. With Netflix's latest press release promoting two new lifestyle-oriented shows, Scoffield suggests that the company is shifting towards luxury and aspirational content. Despite Netflix's continued interest in candid footage of Prince Harry, Megan's recent upscale product launch and ventures like the American Riviera Orchard have faced criticism for perceived low quality.
The couple's modest approach, epitomized by Megan's homemade jams as gifts, stands in stark contrast to their former royal lifestyle. Furthermore, Megan's disclosure of filming locations, including their current home, undermines their stated desire for privacy. This inconsistency, coupled with Harry's declining public interest, underscores the challenges they encounter in transitioning from royal duties to media entrepreneurs. In summary, Harry and Meghan's foray into Netflix production is beset with logistical and reputational obstacles, reflecting the complexities of their new public roles.
