'I worked for King Charles – this is what royals really think of Prince Harry announcement'
A former royal butler has weighed in on what he reckons is the Royal Family's "biggest concern" regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Netflix deal. It comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they would be extending their lucrative deal with the streaming giants, in what was described as a "multi-year, first look deal".
In this new partnership, Netflix can approve or turn down any projects before anybody else, an agreement the New York Times described as a "first-look deal" with the couple, who now have "more options" but "less investment".
It stands to reason that the royals might be apprehensive about the prospect with a range of Harry and Meghan-helmed TV and film projects on the horizon.
However Grant Harrold, who worked as a butler for King Charles, thinks there may be less to worry about this time.
Indeed, he suggests that Harry and Meghan will likely be "more careful" not to cause any "further upset", but there's one thing they really don't want to see again.
Grant, speaking on behalf of OLBG, said: "I do think they will start being more careful not to cause further upset as they move into their future business ventures.
'If they cause any more damage with these programmes it will impact any on-going attempts to build bridges.
'I think the Royal Family are beyond this now. I don't think they'll be surprised or disappointed by it, because they're used to them doing what they want now. Their biggest concern will be another tell-all documentary on their fallouts with the family.'
In the original arrangement five years ago, the Sussexes, who stepped away from their royal duties for a new life in California in 2020, landed an eye-watering deal reportedly worth more than 100 million dollars (£74 million).
Announcing the latest deal on Monday, Meghan said: 'We're proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand. My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision.'
It comes before the grand premiere of season two of With Love, Meghan, which is due to air this month. In the latest instalment of her lifestyle programme, the Duchess is set to grace our screens with a "fun and heartwarming" season.
It promises "celebrity chefs, talented artists, and beloved friends" as they take on some "hands-on adventures" that will reportedly be packed with "laughter and discovery".
As part of the first deal, Harry and Meghan produced a number of programmes that spanned everything from scripted series to lifestyle, with the shows also including Polo, Heart of Invictus, Harry and Meghan and Live to Lead.
Harry and Meghan would be a phenomenal success, scooping 23.4 million views when it aired in December 2022. It was so popular that it became the most viewed documentary over its initial four days.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
3 minutes ago
- Metro
TV fans brand thought-provoking drama 'the most underrated show on Netflix'
One of the most 'gripping' Netflix miniseries of all time has been described as 'incredibly underrated' by fans. With a plethora of options to watch on streaming platforms, it can often feel quite frustrating when a fantastic series gets buried beneath other options. But following a viewer discussion on Reddit, Netflix fans seem determined to spotlight Unbelievable as one of the most 'thought-provoking' and 'heartbreaking' shows ever. Starring Last of Us actress Kaitlyn Dever, Severance's Merritt Wever and Toni Collette, the eight-part drama explores the difficulties women face in reporting cases of rape. Charting the real life story of Marie Adler (Dever), the young woman reports being raped, only to face intense scrutiny and disbelief from police authorities. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Three years after her initial report, detectives Karen Duvall (Wever) and Grace Rasmussen (Collette) then investigate a series of similar attacks and uncover a pattern of deception linking back to Adler. Taking to Reddit, Theoretical_Phys-Ed said: 'Absolutely incredible show with incredible acting. I've watched it multiple times, even though it's a tough watch.' Writing on Google, Emily Lee added: 'I loved every second of this show for several reasons. 'First can we just say the casting was brilliant! Was such a JOY watching such strong, intelligent, kind, driven women all in one show telling a story so many women can relate to living in this world as women. A Metro reporter reviewed the series when it came out in 2019… From Ava Duvernay's harrowing drama When They See Us about the Central Park Five, to Making a Murderer and Mindhunter, Netflix has become known for bringing powerful true crime stories to our screens and seeking to raise awareness of the previously voiceless. The latest in this genre, Unbelievable, turns away from murder and focuses instead on sexual assault, using one real life story to show the ways in which rape victims are dehumanised beyond their assaults and into the way they are treated by the police. Dark, harrowing and an incredibly important watch, the eight part series shows the right (and wrong) ways of treating sexual assault victims in a story that is vital to hear in 2019. 'It really told the story, struggle and trauma of what it can be like for so many of us existing in a 'man's world'. I also loved along with strong feminine representation the body diversity as well!' Anbu V also called it a 'definite watch', saying: 'It is based on a true events. Unbelievable miniseries. 'Just excellent from start to end. It was perfectly crafted, acted and written. It transitions perfectly between two story lines never feeling like you are getting cut off too soon. The message is one that needs to be heard.' Saiprasad Chavan implored viewers to 'watch it for the extremely well-written plot covering minutest of the details complemented by some ground breaking performance by the entire cast'. Very strong and empowering yet emotional at certain points.' Meanwhile, Baba Lalz wrote: 'I am so deeply touched by what I have seen. So far, I haven't seen anything that has had such a profound impact on me. Extremely thought-provoking.' More Trending This comes after Netflix fans 'teared up' after a show, which was watched 72million times, confirmed its third season before the second is even out. The series, One Piece, is a live-action adaptation of the popular anime and boasted a hugely successful first season, becoming the third most-watched TV show of 2023 overall. Now, as the trailer for the second season, which stars Inaki Godoy and Emily Rudd, has dropped, it has been confirmed that it will be returning in 2026, three years after it initially came out. View More » Unbelievable is available to watch on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Line of Duty fans — try this streaming service half the price of Netflix MORE: Breathtaking new film 'that needs to be seen' quietly added to Netflix MORE: Netflix star explains why he 'dropped off the map' for 5 years
Daily Record
3 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Love Island Season 12 cast reunite as Andrada's feud with Meg resolved
The stars haven't been seen together since their exits from the Love Island Villa. The cast of Love Island's 12th series have been spotted reuniting for the first time since exiting the villa at a swanky London event. The most devoted fans will have already seen the stars' Instagram feeds from the bash last night (August 14). Casa Amor sensation Andrada Pop was among those sharing the party extensively on social media, even posting a cosy picture of herself with Meg Moore on her Instagram Stories. The picture seems to bring an end to their rocky relationship while on the show. Their last televised interaction was a tense one, with Andrada criticising Meg's partner Dejon Noel-Williams for his flirtatious behaviour as she voted to end the couple's Love Island journey. However, the pouty snap suggests that amends have been made between the two bombshells. Third-place contestant Yasmin Pettet also attended the party, despite recently stepping back from social media following the sad passing of her cat Miaow Miaow. She was seen smiling at the event alongside Alima Gagigo and Andrada, reports OK! In sad news for fans, last night's event was private so it won't be broadcast on TV. Billykiss Azeez confirmed on Snapchat that it wasn't filmed. Love Island devotees will have to follow the action through the Islanders' social media pages. However, this doesn't rule out a possible reunion. Although ITV2 has yet to confirm a dedicated reunion episode, there's still the winter series to anticipate, which promises the comeback of some well-known faces. Viewers have been urging producers to cast several Season 12 Islanders, including crowd-pleaser Andrada Pop. Harrison Solomon and Harry Cooksley have also been popular choices among fans, although they are currently not single. In other Love Island news, Harry and Shakira recently confirmed their relationship, although Shakira admitted her mother may not be overjoyed with their relationship. Shakira's mother and sibling turned up to surprise her on the TV show, but her mum displayed little warmth towards Harry and refused to hug him. Discussing the awkward introduction in her first TV interview since leaving the series, Shakira told ITV's Lorraine:"I'll be very honest with you, that went a lot better than we thought it was going to! Knowing my mother, that went a lot better than we thought." When questioned about her relationship with her mum since leaving the show, Shakira disclosed that her mum is was on holiday and hadn't had a chance to meet Harry again, but that plans were in place. "She's on holiday, she's cruising about at the minute, so we've not had a chance to catch up. But, I did tell her on the phone yesterday that Harry had bought me some flowers and pie. She went, 'Hmm'," Shakira shared. "I think she's warming to him! She wants to meet you. We've got some plans next week, sooner rather than later." All episodes of Love Island are now streaming on ITVX Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Harry Potter director reveals struggle to get support from 'suspicious' crew
Harry Potter director Chris Columbus recalled the crew's initial suspicions of him and how much 'work' it took to get their support. The filmmaker helmed the first two movies in the franchise, 2001's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and 2002 sequel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. He most recently worked on the eagerly-anticipated adaptation of the Thursday Murder Club on Netflix, starring Pierce Brosnan, Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie During a Q&A session with the cast at the New York premiere, held at the Paris Theater, host Josh Horowitz asked how he managed being an American surrounded by a group of A-list Brits on set – and he compared the experience to his efforts on the wizarding series. 'I had already been through it with Potter,' the 66-year-old replied, explaining that he grew up with a 'love of everything British', stemming from the Beatles and watching A Hard Day's Night and Help! 'I'm pretty well steeped in the culture, and I dealt with all the jokes and the ridiculousness when I started Harry Potter – the first two weeks, the crew was completely suspicious of me. '[They] thought, 'What's this Yank doing here?' I heard all the Chris Columbus, Christopher Columbus jokes… But then you have to keep up. You have to keep up a certain level. 'The thing about working with the Brits is you have to keep up a certain level of humor. It's self-deprecating humor, and you have to be as sharp as f**k. 'You cannot ever, ever… If you lose your step, you lose your step for the whole shoot. 'For me, it was casting all of these incredibly brilliant, funny people and just keeping up with them. I hope that endeared me to the crew the second time. 'It was a lot of work on Potter to get that support from the crew – it felt a lot more comfortable going back for the second time on this movie. I'd do it again in a second.' Chris jumped straight into another book adaptation – with a mostly British cast – for the Thursday Murder Club, which is landing on Netflix in just a few weeks. The upcoming murder mystery film, based on Richard Osman's best-selling novel of the same name, follows retirees who spend their free time casually solving cold cases – but things take a murderous turn when they are thrown into a real crime. Naomi Ackie, Richard E Grant, Tom Ellis, David Tennant and Daniel Mays make up the rest of the line-up. Speaking of the star-studded cast, Chris revealed that they were all the first choices for their roles – which had only previously happened when working on Harry Potter. He continued: 'The interesting comparison, ironically, is that on Potter, we made a list of all of our first choices – Dame Maggie Smith, Richard Harris and Robbie Coltrane – and they all said yes, and that has not happened to me in 20 years, until this book.' 'And it was Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie, and they all said yes. It inspires you to only want to work with British actors because they say yes,' he laughed. 'It was a labor of love … because when I walked in the first day of rehearsal, when we were reading through the script, the four of them were sitting there, and it was 160 years of British cinema, and it's very intimidating. More Trending 'I could hear my voice [shaking] and I had to get over that. 'They just set such a level of trust. I felt trusted, and I hope you all felt trusted. It was just this level of trust that we all had through the course of the film. I think you can see it on screen, definitely.' View More » The Thursday Murder Club is premiering on Netflix on August 28. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Home Alone director reveals why a reboot would be a huge 'mistake' MORE: The most iconic Fast and Furious villain is still 'waiting for a call' to appear in sequel MORE: The first 'feel-good' body horror left me thinking about its extreme scenes for days
