Reports that Meghan Markle is considering a return to acting are an attempt to distract from the narrative that the Sussexes have failed to make it in the US, a royal commentator has claimed.
The Duchess of Sussex was reported to be in preliminary talks to join the cast of the third season of Netflix's The Gentleman. Such a role would mark her first significant acting part since she married Prince Harry in 2018. The story was first reported by Deadline.
Commentator's Take on the Headlines
Royal watcher Kinsey Schofield said Meghan's name was one of many that creator and co-writer Guy Ritchie has mentioned. Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive podcast, she said: "I felt like this headline was an attempt to distract from the failure narrative because it comes out hours after we find out that Harry and Meghan are moving back to the UK, and we're asking ourselves why."
Ms Schofield suggested the Duchess would not have needed to move 5,000 miles back to Britain for an acting job. She speculated that Mr Ritchie may or may not like the attention the rumours generate for the series, adding: "But I do think it was an attempt to distract from the story that the Sussexes had failed miserably in the States and to give Meghan a boost."
Netflix and Cast Reactions
Netflix's scripted chief in Britain told the Edinburgh TV festival in August that "all bets are off" when asked if Meghan would feature. Theo James, who stars in the show, said speculation about the Duchess was mainly a lot of hot air, joking that Sarah Ferguson would be playing his love interest when asked if a former royal would feature in season three.
Fellow commentator Mark Dolan said Meghan's possible return to acting would be to compensate her for having to return to the UK, which she and Harry left in 2020. Mr Dolan said in his view Harry wanted to return but there was nothing in it for Meghan, adding: "The Sussexes were desperate for some narrative, some storyline for Meghan about the UK return."
Sussexes' Move and Current Activities
Harry, Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, moved to the UK for an extended period in August. The younger Sussexes have started school in the UK. The Duke and Duchess are not returning as working royals.
Since she arrived, Meghan has seen the latest addition to her As Ever range - spiced apple butter - go on sale. Rumours have continued to swirl for weeks that Meghan could return to acting, with claims she is in talks to star in the gangster series and counter-claims a reported deal was off. Meghan was involved in a number of projects while the Sussexes were in the US, including overseeing her lifestyle brand, creating content for global streaming platforms Spotify and Netflix, as well as doing charity work.
