Netflix and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's production company, Archewell, have been plunged into a fresh controversy following a bombshell report in The Independent. A new documentary series is alleged to feature a controversial remark about their son, Prince Archie, potentially sparking a major royal rift and public backlash.
The incendiary comment, reportedly made by television personality Chrissy Teigen, suggests that the British public questioned who would 'pay' for the newborn Archie. This has been interpreted as a deeply insensitive reference to the cost of the child to the taxpayer, echoing debates that often surface around working members of the Royal Family.
A Storm of Public and Media Reaction
The revelation has ignited a firestorm on social media and amongst royal commentators. Critics have accused the series of exploiting the Royal Family for sensationalist content and of deliberately misrepresenting the national conversation surrounding Archie's birth. The timing is particularly sensitive, coming amidst a period of fragile relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the institution.
Many have expressed sympathy for the position of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who would have been deeply concerned about the private lives of her great-grandchildren being used for commercial entertainment. The reported remark is seen as a low blow, targeting a child and twisting complex constitutional arrangements into a soundbite.
Netflix and Archewell Under Scrutiny
This incident places both Netflix and Archewell Productions in a difficult position. The streaming giant, which signed a lucrative multi-year deal with the Sussexes, now faces accusations of airing content that is inflammatory and factually questionable. The core promise of their projects was to share 'impactful content that unlocks action' and fosters empathy, a mission statement that now seems at odds with the reported tone of this segment.
For Prince Harry and Meghan, this represents another public relations challenge. Their move to monetise their royal experiences through media deals has always walked a fine line, and this controversy threatens to alienate sections of their remaining support by appearing to monetise their own child's place in the family.
The fallout from this report is still developing, but it underscores the immense risks involved in blending documentary filmmaking with one of the world's most high-profile and traditional institutions. The public awaits an official response from all parties involved.
