How much did Harry and Meghan get from Netflix? Their deal explained
It was QUITE the figure!
As their docuseries hits screens, viewers want to know how much did Harry and Meghan get from Netflix and what is Prince Harry's net worth?
It's been over two years since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed an exclusive production deal with Netflix - and now audiences across the globe are finally getting the chance to see the result of said deal with the anticipated arrival of docuseries Harry & Meghan.
Alongside their podcast deal with Spotify and THAT sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey, the new documentary is set to shed a light on the couple's experience after stepping back as senior royals in March 2020, plus their new non-royal life - following their move to LA in California (coincidentally the same state where Netflix was first founded back in 1997). The series is thought to be the first of many programmes produced for the global streaming giant, with children's programmes and documentaries both having been hinted at previously. But just how much are Harry and Meghan getting paid by Netflix to produce such content? Here's what we know.
How much did Harry and Meghan get from Netflix?
How much Harry and Meghan received from Netflix was never publicly disclosed, however several publications have claimed that the figure is reportedly worth up to $150 million (£112 million).
The New York Times revealed that Harry and Meghan wanted to secure a deal in excess of £75 million. Before signing with Netflix, the royal pair held meetings with other global streaming services. This included Disney, Apple and NBCUniversal. Audience reach was also an important factor in the deal, and this was noted in their statement released at the time, commenting that Netflix’s "unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action".
Meghan and Prince Harry’s Netflix deal was announced on 2 September 2020. It was reported at the time that the late Queen was unaware of the Netflix deal secured by her grandson and his wife.
According to PR Guru Jonathan Shalit, the deal is one of a kind for obvious reasons. "It is a staggering deal. Never before has a Hollywood studio got hold of British royal family - this is historic," he told The Sun back in 2020. "Meghan and Harry will hire shadow producers to do the work but their names alone attached to Netflix are gold dust."
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What is Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Netflix deal?
The royal couple signed a multi-year contract with the streaming giant which will pay them to produce an exciting range of documentaries, films and programmes exclusively for Netflix.
It was initially reported by publications that the two would feature in a reality show - but this was immediately dismissed by representatives for the couple. A spokesperson for Meghan and Harry told The Independent in September 2020: "The Duke and Duchess are not taking part in any reality shows."
However, one of the first offerings to arise from their Netflix deal is new docuseries Harry & Meghan. The six-parter - released on December 8, 2022 - sees the couple tell their side of Megxit and the Royal Family fallout.
Harry & Meghan. A Netflix Global Event.Volume I: December 8Volume II: December 15 pic.twitter.com/WpFzVEC7YxDecember 5, 2022
Confirming the news of their deal with Netflix at the time, the public were told the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's newly formed production company will create “content that informs but also gives hope”.
“Our lives, both independent of each other and as a couple, have allowed us to understand the power of the human spirit: of courage, resilience, and the need for connection,” their statement about the Netflix deal read.
“As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us, as is powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens.”
Meghan is familiar with Hollywood having starred in the drama Suits prior to her wedding to Prince Harry. Her last project to date remains Elephant, where the former actress used her talents to voice the the Disney+ documentary.
Despite this, the Duchess does not seem to be planning a return to her acting roots anytime soon. A source told the Sunday Times that Meghan "has no plans to resume life on screen" at this time.
As for Prince Harry, in late 2019 he began work on a mental health series for Apple TV with Meghan’s close pal Oprah Winfrey. Called The Me You Can't See, the documentary series dropped in May 2021.
Netflix were clearly thrilled to have secured Harry and Meghan, sharing their excitement in a statement when the news was confirmed.
"We’re incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as their creative home and are excited about telling stories with them that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere," said Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-chief executive and chief content officer.
What other shows will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have on Netflix and when will they be released?
Meghan and Prince Harry’s Netflix deal promises documentaries, docuseries, feature films and scripted shows produced by the couple. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also revealed that "as new parents" they are inspired to create children’s programmes too.
Netflix revealed in September 2020, that The Duke and Duchess have a number of shows that are already in production.
“The couple already have several projects in development, including an innovative nature docuseries and an animated series that celebrates inspiring women,” a Netflix spokesperson said.
Netflix also indicated that the couple are keen to hire talent from diverse backgrounds to sit in key roles. Indeed for their docuseries, the duo hired two-time Academy Award–nominated and Emmy-winning director Liz Garbus.
We've yet to hear more about any upcoming series from the couple - but for now audiences have Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the Harry & Meghan docuseries to binge.
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Emily Stedman is the former Features Editor for GoodTo covering all things TV, entertainment, royal, lifestyle, health and wellbeing. Boasting an encyclopaedic knowledge on all things TV, celebrity and royals, career highlights include working at HELLO! Magazine and as a royal researcher to Diana biographer Andrew Morton on his book Meghan: A Hollywood Princess. In her spare time, Emily can be found eating her way around London, swimming at her local Lido or curled up on the sofa binging the next best Netflix show.
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