A fierce rift divides Britain’s royal family as Prince William reportedly vows to block a proposed Netflix documentary on their late mother, Princess Diana, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle grapple with a sharp downturn in their media ventures. This clash, fueled by legacy disputes and financial strains, underscores deep divisions lingering since Diana’s tragic death nearly three decades ago.
Two Crises Converge
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confront back-to-back setbacks this month. Their original Netflix partnership, valued at over $100 million and signed in September 2020, shifted last August to a less lucrative first-look deal, granting Netflix priority review of new projects rather than guaranteed funding. At the same time, reports emerged of their plans for a Diana-focused documentary under Archewell Productions, potentially slated for 2027 to mark the 30th anniversary of her August 31, 1997, death in a Paris car crash. The overlap has intensified family tensions, with insiders suggesting it undermines hopes for reconciliation.
Post-Royal Ventures Falter
Since relinquishing senior royal roles in 2020, Harry and Meghan have sought self-sufficiency through media projects, a memoir, and lifestyle initiatives. Their six-part docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” released in December 2022, ranked as Netflix’s fifth-most-viewed documentary. Follow-ups like “Live to Lead,” “Heart of Invictus,” “Polo,” and “With Love, Meghan” drew smaller audiences. Meghan’s cooking show, launched in March 2025, saw season two drop to 1,218th in rankings by August, shedding 60 percent of viewers in five months. Critics described it as unengaging and overly polished; Netflix canceled it quietly this month. Their combined net worth stands at $60 million, ample yet below expectations from the initial deal.
Diana’s Enduring Grip
Diana’s death at age 36 left sons William, then 15, and Harry, 12, in grief that reshaped the monarchy. Harry views her story as long mismanaged by the palace and feels duty-bound to recount it accurately, citing a psychic’s message in his memoir “Spare” that she approved his path. He has defended reusing her 1995 BBC Panorama interview footage, noting she spoke truth despite deception by journalist Martin Bashir, who used fake documents to secure it. The broadcast strained her marriage to Charles, prompted their divorce, stripped her royal status, and heightened her isolation before the crash. Harry frames his project as honoring her against exploitative media.
William’s Fierce Opposition
William, 43 and heir apparent, reportedly regards the documentary—especially Meghan’s role—as a disrespectful cash grab. Insiders claim he is prepared to impose legal hurdles or leverage influence to halt it, viewing it as the “ultimate grift.” Beyond sentiment, concerns linger over Harry and Meghan seeking royal-linked funds or inheritance, amid King Charles’s $610 million sterling fortune. William controls the Duchy of Cornwall, yielding £22.9 million last year, bolstering his sway as Charles, 76, ages. He has cautioned aides against naivety toward his brother’s endeavors.
Pathways to Reconciliation or Rupture
Charles recently held an emotional meeting with Harry in September 2025, their first major reunion in years, expressing desire to see grandchildren Archie and Lilibet. The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham—Harry’s veteran-support initiative, returning to Britain since 2014—looms as a flashpoint. Harry invited Charles to co-open it, potentially signaling thaw. Yet William’s resistance persists, with the documentary’s timeline clashing against Games publicity. No deal exists; Harry presses ahead amid pressures, while William deploys resources. Charles faces choosing between sons, as Diana’s memory risks further commodification. The stakes—family bonds, public image, and financial futures—hang in precarious balance, with outcomes likely to echo for years.
Sources:
Prince Harry and Meghan sign new multi-year Netflix deal. The Telegraph, August 11, 2025
When the BBC tricked Princess Diana into giving them the scoop of the century. El País, December 1, 2025
King Charles Might Face One Huge ‘Dilemma’ With Prince Harry. Marie Claire, September 2025
Prince William ‘on the warpath’ over Harry and Meghan’s Princess Diana documentary plans. Entertainment Daily, January 23, 2026
Prince Harry faces lonely UK visit amid ongoing royal family rift. Fox News, January 21, 2026