An industry insider has delivered a damning verdict on the future of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's multi-million-pound Netflix partnership. The claims come as it was confirmed the couple are planning to move back to the UK with children Archie and Lilibet later this month.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Expresso host JJ Anisiobi, the source said: "The future of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is pretty much clear. Their relationship with Netflix is little by little being wound down because the streaming giant is making content with the Palace."
Netflix Shift in Loyalty
JJ was clear about Netflix's shift in loyalty. He said: "Netflix have been plotting for a while now. They've been doing stuff with the Palace. They've got documentaries coming out with Idris Elba and King Charles… Netflix are looking forward to working with the Palace. They have nothing more coming out with Harry and Meghan."
James was equally scathing, adding: "The Netflix deal there, it's dead. The Netflix deal is dead. It's been dead for a while. And Netflix themselves have been distancing themselves from her."
Deal Changed to First-Look Agreement
He explained that the original multi-million-dollar arrangement had already been watered down, saying: "They just kept coming up with tripe. So Netflix said the deal is now changing to a first-look deal… you come up with an idea, let us look at it first and we'll decide whether we want it or not." Netflix, he added, "didn't want any of their stuff."
JJ highlighted how embarrassing the situation has become for the couple. "It's embarrassing for them… They've moved out to Hollywood to have this whole new lifestyle. They're supposed to be the big dogs in town, getting these multi-million dollar deals. They end up on the back end humiliating themselves… being dumped unceremoniously by Netflix for the family they betrayed."
Financial Reality and UK Return
James summed up the commercial reality in blunt journalistic terms: "The future for Netflix is with the monarchy. Harry and Meghan… in journalism you would say drop the dead donkey."
The only successful Netflix project the couple ever delivered, both men agreed, was the content that attacked the Royal Family. James said: "That ship is done. They have milked that cow. There's nothing left for them now."
The demise of the Netflix deal sits alongside a wider picture of declining fortunes in America. James claimed the couple's annual security costs alone stand at around £5million. PM Andy Burnham today made it clear that it would be up to the Sussexes to cover the cost of that in the UK.
James explained: "Harry's not bringing in five million quid a year. And at the moment, neither is Meghan." He described their situation as a "champagne lifestyle with lemonade money."
JJ pointed to the couple's isolation in Montecito. He said: "The neighbours in Montecito do not like them… She's got no real proper friends left over there." He also noted Meghan's dramatic change of position on educating her children in Britain, calling it "a massive U-turn."
Both presenters linked the Netflix failure to the reported decision to return to the UK. James suggested the move was driven by financial necessity and Harry's desire to re-enter royal life, while JJ framed the broader dynamic as deeply fraught.
The industry insider's assessment that Netflix is actively preferring Palace collaborations over Sussex projects provides the clearest public confirmation yet that the couple's high-profile streaming deal is effectively finished.
With the streamer now investing in content featuring King Charles and partners such as Idris Elba, the commercial centre of gravity has shifted decisively away from Harry and Meghan.
