Public opinion campaigns around the royal family are often amplified by television and streaming, not just by press statements. In March 2021, a landmark interview with Oprah Winfrey brought Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry into the global spotlight. The conversation touched on the pressures of royal life, including Markle’s struggles with mental health, and highlighted allegations of racism within the institution and its media ecosystem. The discussion underscored how rumors and biased reporting can affect individuals and their public image, not only from tabloids but at times from established institutions themselves.
Before that televised moment, Harry and Meghan had already signaled their intent to shape their path on their own terms. In September 2020, less than six months after their Megxit departure from active royal duties, they announced a multi-year deal with Netflix to create original content. Reported figures suggest the deal could reach a substantial eight-figure total, reflecting the couple’s pivot toward independent productions and a broader media strategy.
Even prior to relinquishing royal titles, Harry had aligned with Oprah Winfrey on a mental health project. The documentary series What Happened to You? (titled What You Don’t See Me in some reports) premiered on Apple TV+ in May 2021 and consists of six episodes in which various celebrities discussed mental health challenges. One noted installment featured Harry discussing the trauma surrounding his mother, Diana, and the long arc of anxiety and recovery from ages 28 to 32.
Archewell’s first series
Content provided to Netflix by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex carries the Archewell Productions banner, the company they founded to inform, elevate, and inspire audiences. The lineup includes diverse formats, with children’s programming among the ambitions. A series inspired by historical heroines, Pearl, was paused during a recalibration after Netflix reported subscriber declines in early 2022.
Netflix has also signaled interest in the project Henry and Meghan, a six-part documentary exploring their partnership and the challenges of navigating a public institution while confronting racial biases and broader social shifts. The initial three episodes were teased for a release in early August, with additional installments potentially arriving on a specified date. In a notable coincidence, December 15 marked another public moment when a highly anticipated holiday event occurred at a major royal venue.
Harry and Meghan are joined by a team with strong credentials. The project benefits from the direction of Liz Garbus, an acclaimed filmmaker with Oscar nominations, and a legal advisor connected to First Amendment advocacy in the United States. Garbus’ expertise in documentary storytelling, including sensitive subjects such as imprisonment and true crime, informs the series’ investigative approach. Some observers wonder how the project will balance intimate moments with broader questions about the media landscape and royal accountability.
Media pressure
While Garbus appears as director, there is a sense that the project may also be a collaborative reflection on the media ecosystem surrounding the royal family. The narrative appears to privilege personal victories while offering a candid look at the pressures of public life, and it prompts viewers to consider how media dynamics shape reputations. Markle’s public activism and advocacy are part of the broader context in which the series operates, aligning with efforts to spark discussions about representation and accountability in journalism.
In its most revealing moments, the series is less about self-esteem and more about examining an institution that must balance tradition with change. A recurring theme is the relationship between the media and royalty, and how this pact has influenced reporting and perception for decades. Analysts note that the story hinges on the pressure points of public narrative and the ethics of reporting—questions that resonate beyond the specific figures involved.
As the conversation unfolds, the show invites viewers to consider the media’s role in shaping celebrity narratives and whether there is room for more nuanced, responsible coverage of public figures. The program also prompts reflection on how public attention can both empower and overwhelm individuals who choose to redefine their public roles.
Foci that are not sought
Open life in the public eye brings scrutiny from many directions, and Meghan’s experiences as a former television actor who rose to global fame are part of the discussion. The trajectory includes intense media attention, online discourse, and social media responses. Observers note the power of public perception in shaping careers, and questions arise about how digital culture handles sensitive topics and identity. The conversation proposes that respectful engagement in media coverage benefits everyone involved and invites a broader, more constructive dialogue about representation and equality.
Readers of the series will also glimpse Meghan’s early career as a law-related character on a popular drama, seen through security protocols and studio practices that illustrate how production logistics have evolved in response to public interest. The collaboration among cast and crew, including long-time collaborators who have supported Markle in various projects, is highlighted as a backbone of enduring creative efforts and a commitment to storytelling integrity.