While many of us might have been hoping the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix deal meant we’d see the couple enter the world of reality television, the pair have denied such a project is in the works.
On September 28, it was reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were planning a “fly-on-the-wall” show under their newly signed deal with the streaming service, with The Sun claiming the couple had granted access for cameras to follow them for three months to give people a “glimpse into their lives” while highlighting some of the causes most important to them.
However, a spokesperson for the couple denied the claims in the U.K. publication. “The Duke and Duchess are not taking part in any reality shows,” they said in a statement to People.
The huge deal the couple signed with Netflix will instead “create content that informs but also gives hope”, with the couple writing in a statement: “As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us, as is powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens.”
While their work with the streaming giant will be as the “storytellers” and they are expected to be working hard behind the scenes, last week Markle appeared in front of the camera once again, three years after leaving her acting career behind.
Making a surprise appearance on the season finale of hit US show America’s Got Talent, the duchess showed her support for one of the contestants. In a video for Archie Williams, who was wrongly imprisoned for over 37 years, she revealed that she was rooting for the singer.
In the pre-recorded segment, she said: “Just wanted to let you know that we’ve been so moved by your story and we’ve been cheering you on every week… and it’s not just because we’re partial to the name.
“Here’s a very special message to you, that I’ll probably be saying all of my life, but on this night it’s specifically for you…Archie, we are proud of you and are rooting for you, we can’t wait to see what you do. We’re in your corner, have a good night.”
Last week, the couple also appeared together as part of the Time 100 broadcast to encourage people to vote and engage in the upcoming election. Harry noted that he won’t be able to vote, saying “many of you may not know that I haven’t been able to vote in the U.K. my entire life.”
“As we approach this November, it’s vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity,” he said.
Royals are not permitted to comment on politics in order to remain neutral as heads of state, and Buckingham Palace was forced to respond to Harry’s statement. “The Duke is not a working member of the Royal Family and any comments he makes are made in a personal capacity.”
