This Royal Couple Is Crashing Hard

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, 2018. Photo courtesy of Northern Ireland Office under CC BY 2.0.

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020, they promised to forge a new path as financially independent individuals devoted to philanthropy and creativity.

But just a few years later, their post-royal life seems like a mixed bag of public scrutiny, unsteady projects, and an ever-present question: what do they actually do? From a Netflix^® deal allegedly on shaky ground to their recent visit to California wildfire victims, the couple's ventures have people talking — for better or worse.

A $100 Million Gamble: The Netflix Debacle

Harry and Meghan's lucrative Netflix deal was initially heralded as a win-win: the couple would produce compelling content while gaining financial independence from the royal family. Their 2022 docuseries, "Harry & Meghan," provided a behind-the-scenes look at their lives and drew a significant audience.

However, their latest project, a docuseries about polo, has been widely panned. Critics derided the series as out-of-touch and unrelatable, dubbing it a vanity project for the couple's inner circle. "The new polo documentary hasn't received good reviews, and this is another foray into producing from Meghan and Harry [that hasn't worked out]," brand expert Nick Ede told the Daily Mail, as reported by In Touch Weekly.

The poor reception has reportedly raised alarm bells at Netflix. Insiders suggest the streaming giant may reconsider the couple's $100 million contract unless their future offerings can deliver meaningful audience engagement, as reported by In Touch Weekly. With Meghan's upcoming cooking and wellness show on the horizon, the stakes couldn't be higher. Without a breakout success, could their Hollywood ambitions face an early sunset?

Doing Good or Just Good PR?

In January, the couple made headlines for their involvement in relief efforts for California wildfire victims. Teaming up with World Central Kitchen, they distributed food and supplies, visited affected families, and thanked first responders. Local officials praised their efforts, with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo saying that Harry and Meghan "took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. They're just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbors," as reported by PEOPLE.

Yet, online discourse was less forgiving. Detractors accused the couple of engaging in performative charity work, with some even labeling them "disaster tourists" more interested in optics than meaningful impact, as reported by Newsweek.

The question of authenticity has long dogged the couple's philanthropic endeavors. While their Archewell Foundation has funded various causes, critics argue their efforts lack consistency and depth. High-profile visits like these can appear fleeting and self-serving, particularly when juxtaposed with their lavish lifestyle in Montecito.

Still, supporters maintain that Harry and Meghan are unfairly scrutinized and would face backlash regardless of their actions. "It's typical. It's more of the same. The motto of Archewell is 'show up and do good' and that's what they did and they're panned for it," said Afua Hagan, a U.K. based royal commentator, as reported by Newsweek.

From Royal Drama to Financial Uncertainty

Life outside the royal bubble hasn't been easy for the Sussexes. Beyond the media scrutiny, they're reportedly grappling with financial pressures.

Maintaining their $14 million estate in Montecito, along with other expenses tied to their jet-setting lifestyle, isn't cheap. Sources claim the Sussexes have "never had higher expenses than right now," as reported by In Touch Weekly, and with multiple business ventures struggling to gain traction, they may be relying heavily on their media deals to stay afloat.

Their financial challenges have allegedly sparked resentment within the entertainment industry. Critics argue that their Netflix and Spotify deals — which some insiders believe were initially overvalued — have taken opportunities away from more seasoned creators. Adding to their woes, public interest in the couple seems to be waning, with many questioning whether they can sustain their relevance in the long term.

Public Image: A Double-Edged Sword

Part of the challenge for Harry and Meghan lies in their polarized public image.

On one hand, they've been celebrated for breaking free from the royal family's constraints and advocating for mental health, gender equality, and social justice. On the other hand, they've been criticized for airing private grievances and capitalizing on their royal connections.

Their decision to chronicle their struggles with the royal family in various media projects has been both a blessing and a curse. While it brought attention to their narrative, it also invited accusations of hypocrisy — leaving the public to question whether they want privacy or the perks of fame. Perhaps the overriding public sentiment could be summarized as "you can't cherry-pick the good parts and leave out the bad."

What's Next for the Sussexes?

Despite these setbacks, Harry and Meghan appear determined to move forward.

Meghan's new Netflix series, originally scheduled to debut in March, offers an opportunity to prove their mettle in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Harry continues to focus on his passion projects, including the Invictus Games and mental health advocacy. Whether these efforts will be enough to redefine their legacy remains uncertain.

As they navigate this challenging phase, one thing is clear: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aren't fading quietly into the background. But as their ventures attract both praise and skepticism, the world remains divided on the question: are they building a lasting impact — or just a fleeting spotlight?

References: Harry and Meghan's $100 Million Netflix Deal in Jeopardy After 'Polo' Flop: It Would Be 'a Disaster' | Prince Harry and Meghan Called 'Disaster Tourists' Over LA Wildfires Visit | Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Big Business Ambitions | Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Visit Eaton Fire Victims, Distributing Food and Supplies | Meghan Markle and Prince Harry "Dismissed" the "Distressing" Allegations in Vanity Fair's Bombshell Report | Why did Harry and Meghan leave the Royal Family, and where do they get their money?