Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made their royal exit in early 2020. Here’s a rundown of what they’ve been up to since then, including releasing a couple of tell-alls, securing Netflix deals, and penning sensational memoirs!
The 2021 Oprah tell-all featuring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, sent shockwaves through both royal and common circles alike! However, the journey leading to this unexpected revelation began earlier. Their story began with a blind date in July 2016, reportedly followed by a trip to Botswana, where their relationship blossomed. Kensington Palace officially confirmed their relationship in August. By November 2017, they were engaged, leading to the much-anticipated wedding at Windsor Castle in May 2018. Their first child, Archie Harrison, arrived in May, when they made the decision to forgo the “prince” title.
Lesser-known is their joint appearance in an ITV documentary during their South African tour in October 2019, where they candidly addressed media criticism. Harry’s comments fueled speculation of a rift with William, while Meghan grappled with media scrutiny, candidly admitting her struggles. Harry vowed to support her openly, no longer remaining a “silent witness” to her suffering.
The global frenzy ensued when the couple announced their decision to step back as “senior” royals, shared via Instagram in January 2020. They revealed plans to settle in Canada. The later Oprah interview shed further light on their strained relationship with the royal family, amidst a storm of accusations and controversies on both sides. Later reports indicated their relocation to a private complex in Los Angeles, departing from Canada.
It was further noted that the royal couple had filed numerous trademarks under “Sussex Royal” on June 21, 2019, for a variety of goods and services. However, they ultimately withdrew the application on Feb. 21 because they were no longer able to use the word “royal” in their branding.
But regardless, they have sure found ways to reinvent themselves and keep moving forward. It could be said, that the one pivotal point in Harry’s life was his mother’s death, and though disturbing, he has set out to defy those involved, move away from all that, and create his own life.
A major point, one of many, was that although they had expressed a desire for privacy, their actions thus far suggested otherwise. While this may work against them, on the flip side for them, it’s about having control over the narrative and portraying that too, as evidenced by Harry’s statements about his family and their perspective on the situation. They are shaping their own narrative while building their budding media empire, striking major deals with Netflix and Spotify, all the while establishing their new charitable foundation, Archewell.
1. Archewell Foundation
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed their new nonprofit organization, Archewell, on April 6, 2020. The couple’s purpose for the organization was as a platform for building a multimedia educational empire, launching a well-being website, and facilitating emotional support groups, among other initiatives. In the past month, they had submitted multiple trademark applications for Archewell to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, encompassing a wide range of goods and services such as apparel, educational materials, magazines, films, podcasts, and more.
The name of the charity drew partial inspiration from their son, Archie, and the Greek word “arche,” signifying “source of action.” Established shortly after their departure from their roles within the royal family or “The Firm” as they have referred to it as in the past, in early 2020, the couple founded their nonprofit organization, Archewell. At its inception, the charity’s website featured a message from Harry and Meghan outlining their aspirations for the organization.
“I am my mother’s son. And I am our son’s mother. Together we bring you Archewell. We believe in the best of humanity. Because we have seen the best of humanity. We have experienced compassion and kindness, from our mothers and strangers alike,” the message read. “In the face of fear, struggle and pain, it can be easy to lose sight of this. Together, we can choose courage, healing, and connection. Together, we can choose to put compassion in action. We invite you to join us. As we work to build a better world, one act of compassion at a time.”
2. Meghan Markle’s Voice Over For Disneynature Documentary “Elephant”
In April 2020, the Duchess of Sussex made a return to the film industry by lending her voice to the Disneynature documentary, “Elephant.” Reports indicated that Markle secured the voiceover deal the previous year, with her husband playing a pivotal role. During the 2019 London premiere of “The Lion King,” Prince Harry was spotted on video speaking to former Disney CEO Bob Iger about Markle’s interest in voiceover work.
3. Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s Major Deal With Netflix
In September 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed a multi-year agreement with Netflix, marking their most significant venture post their departure from royal duties. The deal aimed to produce original content; documentaries, films, series, and children’s programming under the banner of Archewell Productions. Sources disclosed that the partnership, titled Archewell Productions, came with an offer nearing $100 million.
Their first project under this deal was the documentary series, “Harry & Meghan,” comprising six episodes that delved into various aspects of their relationship, from its inception to their much-publicized departure from royal life. This series premiered on the streaming platform in December 2022. Expressing their intentions, the couple stated, “Our focus will be on crafting content that not only enlightens but also instills hope. As new parents, creating uplifting family-oriented programming holds significant importance for us.”
Netflix emphasized the significance of their collaboration with Archewell Productions, highlighting the success of “Harry & Meghan” as Netflix’s most successful documentary debut to date. They reaffirmed their commitment to working together on various projects, including the upcoming documentary series, “Heart of Invictus.”
4. Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s Not So Successful Podcast Deal With Spotify
Prince Harry and Meghan inked their second significant collaboration on December 15, 2021, with Spotify. This multi year agreement involved the audio streaming service and the royal couple’s newly established audio company, Archewell.
In August 2022, the partnership aimed to host and produce podcasts that would uplift and entertain global audiences while showcasing diverse perspectives. According to Spotify, the podcasts would feature stories of hope and compassion from inspiring guests in celebration of the new year.
However, by June 2023, the couple and the company decided to part ways after producing only one season of their show, “Archetypes,” for which they reportedly received $20 million. The first podcast series “Archetypes,” debuted in August 2022, garnering immense popularity among fans. It quickly climbed to the top spot on the podcast charts in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada within days of its release. In its inaugural season, Meghan engaged in conversations with various A-list guests, including Mariah Carey, Serena Williams, Paris Hilton, Andy Cohen, and more.
Despite the widespread success of Meghan’s podcast, the project was not renewed for a second season. In June 2023, the couple announced the end of their deal with Spotify after three years. “Spotify and Archewell Audio have mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together,” stated a joint announcement from the streaming platform and Archewell Audio.
5. Prince Harry’s Sensational Memoir ‘Spare’
In January 2023, Prince Harry unveiled his much-anticipated memoir, “Spare,” where he delved into his relationships with various members of the royal family, including Prince William, King Charles III, and others. Reflecting on his role as the “spare” to William’s “heir,” Harry also shared insights into coping with the loss of their mother, his journey to finding love with Meghan, and the motivations behind their decision to step back from royal duties. Reportedly, he made controversial claims, such as alleging Queen Camilla’s involvement in leaking stories to the press and accusing his brother, Prince William, of physical assault. It’s certainly a must-read to grasp the full scope of Harry’s revelations.
Prince Harry is expected to return home in a few weeks, having reportedly not communicated with his brother Prince William for over a year.
There are uncertainties regarding whether Harry will meet with William or Kate Middleton, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, along with his nephews, Prince George and Prince Louis, and niece Princess Charlotte. Harry is slated to deliver a speech at the 10th anniversary commemoration of the Invictus Games at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on May 8. Established by Harry in 2014, and a cause very close to his heart, the Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded service members and veterans.
Sources: WWD, Vogue
