A royal expert has suggested that Prince Harry’s recent attempt to reconcile with King Charles may be financially motivated, following the apparent collapse of the Sussexes’ lucrative Netflix deal. According to recent reports, Netflix has opted not to renew its reported $100 million agreement with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, a move that could deliver a major financial setback to the couple.
Insiders claim the decision was based on the underwhelming performance of some of their content, such as Harry’s polo-focused projects, which failed to garner the expected viewership. Commenting on the development, royal author and expert Robert Jobson speculated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may now be seeking financial support from the royal family, potentially explaining recent meetings between their representatives and senior royal aides in London.
“Well, the deal was always set about $100 million, wasn’t it?” Jobson told The Sun. “And the talk of that figure sort of blew a lot of people’s minds, but I think that was for productions and things that they’re supposed to have done.” Jobson went on to suggest that the couple’s financial position may be more strained than previously assumed.
“Where does it leave them? Probably with a bit of a bowl out, looking for some handouts,” he said. “Maybe that’s why they were over with their staff, were over here having discussions with the King. I don’t know.” Earlier this month, two senior members of the Sussexes’ team reportedly traveled to London and met with a key aide to King Charles, fueling speculation about potential reconciliation efforts between Harry and the monarchy.
While the exact nature of the discussions remains undisclosed, Jobson’s comments imply there may have been more practical concerns behind the visit. The Sussexes signed their high-profile Netflix deal in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties, with plans to produce documentaries, docuseries, and scripted content.
Although the initial buzz around their media ventures was substantial, critics have since questioned the long-term viability of their brand, especially as viewership numbers reportedly fell short of expectations. Harry and Meghan’s exit from royal life was partly framed as a step toward financial independence.
However, without renewal from Netflix and amid a reportedly stalled Spotify deal, their commercial future appears increasingly uncertain. With the couple facing mounting pressure to maintain their lifestyle without institutional support, Jobson’s comments suggest the royal rift may be giving way—at least in part—to financial necessity.