Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have officially announced their latest collaboration with Netflix: a scripted drama series focused on the world of polo. The couple will serve as co-producers for the upcoming project, which is said to explore the rivalries between two polo teams and the families that support them. This development comes shortly after reports suggested that their relationship with the streaming service had become strained.
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The new series will be set in Wellington, Florida, a location known for its equestrian culture. According to Deadline, the series is currently untitled, but promises to delve into the “messy dynamics” of its characters. Speculation suggests that the project may draw inspiration from Prince Harry’s previous documentary, POLO, which aimed to showcase his passion for the sport but received modest viewership after premiering in 2024.
Both Meghan Markle, aged 44, and Prince Harry, 41, have been involved in equestrian activities for many years, with Prince Harry frequently participating in charity polo matches. Their production company, Archewell Productions, will produce the new series in collaboration with Fake Empire, a company co-founded by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage.
The announcement follows an intense period for the Sussexes, amid claims that their partnership with Netflix is under strain. Various reports surfaced indicating that Netflix executives felt blindsided by the couple’s earlier public appearances, notably their interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, which was a significant moment marking their transition away from royal duties. Furthermore, Netflix was reportedly taken aback by the release of Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, which gave fans a rare insight into his upbringing in the royal family.
However, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, sought to quell these allegations. She emphasised that the media should not take every report at face value, urging fact-checking to clarify any misunderstandings surrounding the relationship between Netflix and the couple. This clarification came amidst growing speculation regarding the Sussexes’ future creative endeavours with the network.
Their first collaborative project was the six-part docuseries Harry & Meghan, which narrated the couple’s romance, their royal wedding, and their decision to step back from royal life. Released in late 2022, the docuseries was designed to provide an unfiltered glimpse into their journey, countering prevailing narratives often covered by traditional media outlets.
In a related shift, Netflix recently concluded its partnership with Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. The brand, which focuses on lifestyle content and products, will now operate independently. Spokespeople from both As Ever and Netflix confirmed that the brand is poised for growth and is looking forward to an ambitious year ahead.
A spokesperson for As Ever remarked on the positive outcomes from the initial collaboration, citing “meaningful and rapid growth” during their first year. This independent transition presents a fresh chapter for Meghan, who is reportedly enthusiastic about the creative opportunities and challenges as she shapes the brand further.
Insiders familiar with the matter noted that Meghan is committed to building As Ever into a brand that genuinely reflects her lifestyle and personal values. They expressed that this year will be pivotal for establishing the brand as it continues to develop and expand its reach.
As this new scripted drama takes form, the spotlight once again shines on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who continue to navigate their creative paths away from royal life while engaging global audiences through their varied projects. While concerns over their relationship with Netflix linger, both parties appear to be focused on future collaborations that could resonate with viewers across different platforms.