Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been at the center of significant media attention, particularly regarding their relationship with Netflix. While the couple’s Netflix partnership began with a grand vision to produce content aligned with their values and goals, a report from Variety has sparked controversy.
The report, published by Variety on March 17, 2026, explored claims about the couple’s collaboration with the streaming giant, including disputed allegations that Netflix was blindsided by their March 7, 2021, interview with Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare.” The couple quickly refuted these claims, asserting that their communication with Netflix throughout their deal was transparent.

On March 2021, the couple gave a revealing interview to Winfrey. According to Variety, Netflix was allegedly unaware of the interview’s timing and content, which led to tensions within the production process of the couple’s docuseries, “Harry & Meghan.”
The interview delved into the couple’s personal struggles, some of which were later incorporated into the Netflix docuseries. However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex strongly denied these accusations, clarifying that Netflix was fully informed in advance.
As tensions continued to surface over timing and content, Prince Harry’s memoir project also created potential conflicts with their Netflix production. Despite this, a spokesperson for Meghan insisted that everything regarding “Spare” was communicated with transparency.
Further complications emerged when the docuseries’ post-production process clashed with the timing of the book’s release. However, as the couple’s spokesperson pointed out, the memoir’s launch was well planned, and there was no lack of coordination.

Meghan and Prince Harry’s partnership with Netflix, signed in September 2020, was always intended to be a forward-looking collaboration. The deal followed the couple’s decision to step back from their royal roles and relocate to Montecito, California.
Their first joint project with Netflix, the docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” was designed to showcase their relationship journey, including their May 19, 2018, royal wedding and decision to step down from royal life. However, behind-the-scenes reports about the production process tell a different story, one of shifting creative teams and growing tensions over how their personal lives intersected with their professional deals.
As production on “Harry & Meghan” unfolded, various directors came and went before Liz Garbus took the reins, helping to steer the project toward completion. According to Variety, there were also complaints about communication issues, particularly surrounding the interview with Winfrey.
The Variety report suggested that Netflix was caught off guard by the timing of the interview, which aired on March 7, 2021, though sources close to the couple denied these claims. They asserted that Netflix was fully aware of the Winfrey interview and had approved it in advance, with legal counsel on hand to manage the deal.
The second point of contention revolved around Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare.” While Netflix was reportedly concerned about how the book might interfere with the docuseries rollout, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex maintained that the memoir project was always part of the broader plan.
A spokesperson for the couple reiterated that Netflix was fully informed of “Spare’s” development and had agreed to it. Despite the possible friction this caused, Netflix ultimately released the docuseries “Harry & Meghan” on its planned December 2022 debut, which aligned with the couple’s vision.
This series of events has made it clear that Meghan and Prince Harry’s Netflix partnership has faced challenges. While misunderstandings and disagreements may have occurred, the couple’s spokesperson continues to stress that all decisions were made with transparency and communication.
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue their partnership with Netflix, how do you think their public image has been impacted by their media deals? Let us know, and then pass this on to anyone interested in their ongoing story!