A royal expert has claimed that streaming giant Netflix is standing by Meghan Markle as part of an effort to recover the substantial investment it made in her and Prince Harry through their multi-million-dollar content deal. Earlier this year, the Duchess of Sussex partnered with Netflix to support the launch of her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
The brand, which debuted under the tagline As Ever, marks Meghan’s return to the public and commercial spotlight following a series of lukewarmly received media projects with the platform. According to royal commentator Phil Dampier, Netflix is still committed to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex despite mixed reactions to their previous content, including a recent documentary series centered around Prince Harry’s love for polo.
“I think having invested $100 million in the shows that they did—and the thing about Polo, which was universally panned—but I mean, they’ve obviously made a decision,” Dampier told The Sun.
“They’re going to stick with them for the time being. They’re going to go for it, and they’re going in for a penny, in for a pound,” he added. “And, you know, if they can get some money back with the merchandising, great.”
Netflix’s $100 million deal with Harry and Meghan was originally signed in 2020 with the goal of creating exclusive content for the platform, including documentaries, docuseries, and feature films. While the couple’s initial releases—such as Harry & Meghan—generated substantial viewership, subsequent projects, like their polo-themed series, have not had the same impact, drawing criticism for being out of touch and lacking substance.
The Duchess’s new lifestyle venture is now seen as a potential avenue for the couple to rebrand and reconnect with audiences, while also providing Netflix with an opportunity to capitalize on product collaborations and merchandising tied to Meghan’s public persona.
Despite the skepticism surrounding the couple’s media ventures, industry insiders suggest Netflix may be banking on Meghan’s influence in the lifestyle and wellness market to yield financial returns where documentary content may have faltered.
As the Duchess continues to expand her brand and presence under the As Ever label, observers are watching closely to see whether this new chapter will offer both creative credibility and commercial success for the Sussexes—and help Netflix recoup its high-profile investment.