Latest news with #AsEver
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Meghan & Harry's Netflix deal disaster is killing their US dream – how will they fund their incredibly lavish life now?
LIKE a slowly collapsing soufflé, the Duchess of Sussex's 'narcissistic' cookery show has been judged a ratings flop – and Netflix has decided to pull the plug. The streamer will let 8 Prince Harry and wife Meghan's $100million deal with Netflix has been scrapped Credit: Getty 8 There was backlash over Meghan's new name 'As Ever' Credit: As Ever A source at Lifestyle and cookery show Described by one critic as an 'exercise in narcissism', it was beaten by reruns of the first four seasons of legal drama Suits, which also starred the Duchess in her pre-royal days. Once judged by some as Britain's greatest soft power asset since Princess Diana, Meghan was filmed for her show making ladybird-shaped canapes from cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. READ MORE ON THE SUSSEXES 'Dull indulgence' Even The Guardian was moved to describe With Love, Meghan as 'the sort of gormless lifestyle filler that, had it been made by the BBC , would be used to bulk out episodes of Saturday Kitchen'. In truth, the show is a smash hit compared to her husband's vanity docuseries Polo, blasted as 'a dull indulgence about a rich person's pursuit'. In the first six months of the year the programme attracted a disastrous 500,000 views globally, ranking it at number 3,442 out of around 7,000 shows. Reruns of the nine-year-old cartoon He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe scored similar numbers. Most read in Royals A Netflix insider has pronounced the couple's lucrative contract 'dead', adding: 'They're just waiting for the credits to roll. 'They're letting it expire without drama. There's no appetite for anything new.' Meghan and Harry must need more money - their staff induction bill alone will be HUGE The end of what many regarded as a reliable source of vast income for the former HRHs has set off a bomb under Project Sussex and its bold ambitions. And of course it is not the Sussexes' first media deal that has gone south. Their reported Hosted by Meghan, the Archetypes podcast featured conversations with friends and celebrities including Serena Williams, Mariah Carey and Trevor Noah. Critics said that in the episode with Williams it took 11 minutes before the tennis legend got a word in edgeways. In 2023 Simmons said: 'I wish I had been involved in the 'Meghan and Harry leave Spotify' negotiation. 'The F***ing Grifters. That's the podcast we should have launched with them. 'I have got to get drunk one night and tell the story of the Zoom I had with Harry to try and help him with a podcast idea. 'It's one of my best stories. F*** them. The grifters.' The Sussexes' undoubted TV hit was In it the couple accused the Royal Family of 8 The Sussexes' undoubted TV hit was docuseries Harry & Meghan, released in December 2022 Credit: Netflix 8 Marketing experts Camille Moore and Phillip Millar accused Meghan's As Ever brand of being 'not intelligent' and 'not well executed' Credit: Instagram Podcast boss Simmons said of Harry that year: 'You live in f***ing Montecito and you just sell documentaries and podcasts and nobody cares what you have to say about anything unless you talk about the Royal Family and you just complain about them.' While the Netflix deal will lapse, wine , jam and cookies is displaying 'sold out' signs on her website. It raises the question of whether it will be her earnings that are increasingly relied upon to fund the family's expensive Hollywood lifestyle, and if so, will it be enough? PR expert Nick Ede believes that in the future the Duchess will provide the surest revenue stream, saying: 'Meghan is the best way of making money for the two of them. 'She is the breadwinner.' However, marketing experts Camille Moore and Phillip Millar accused Meghan's As Ever brand of being 'not intelligent' and 'not well executed'. Speaking on The Art Of The Brand podcast this week, Millar accused Meghan of trying to rinse the maximum value from her 'fame that came from Suits and being a part of the Royal Family'. Millar added: 'Her brand wasn't one built on substance. It was based on using people.' Meanwhile, Harry, who has two paying jobs — with sustainable tourism firm Travalyst and coaching company BetterUp — seems most passionate when he is undertaking his charitable endeavours. During a recent trip to Angola, The Duke followed in the footsteps of Princess Diana by walking through a minefield on behalf of his charity The Halo Trust. 'Life of service' Harry said in a statement: 'As a father to young children, it breaks my heart to see innocent children still living and playing next to minefields,' Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond commented: 'I think this is precisely the sort of work that Harry should do. 'It is not only a hugely worth-while cause, but it also connects him with his mother, which is something he yearns for. 'I think he is coming to recognise that the LA celebrity world is one in which he is not especially comfortable. 'And he seems quite willing to let Meghan take the limelight over there. 'He speaks frequently about a life of service, and trips like this certainly serve a very good cause indeed.' Yet charity missions, while good for the soul, do not pay the bills . And the Sussexes' court in the Californian sunshine is not a cheap enterprise. Their home, a nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom mansion close to the Pacific in 8 Meghan and Harry's podcasting deal with Spotify was terminated in 2023, with senior Spotify executive Bill Simmons labelling the duo 'f***ing grifters' Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 8 Harry's autobiography Spare became the fastest-selling non-fiction book ever They bought it for almost £11million after the drama of Megxit in 2020, and the following year Harry said in his Without the money left to him by Diana — said to be £10million — Harry said 'we would not have been able to do this'. Harry's finances got a boost last September when he turned 40 and a fund set up by the late Queen Mother gave him access to around £8million. But while most people could live very well on that kind of cash, Harry and Meghan's lifestyle is not like most people's. They have more in common with the super-rich of California than your average couple. Indeed, they are said to have mortgage payments of around £350,000 a year, while staffing costs come to an estimated £180,000. Harry has also spent on court cases and could be in line for a £1.5million bill for Security is a very real worry for Prince Harry, who served two tours of Afghanistan. Former royal protection officer Simon Morgan estimated the Sussexes' protection costs come to at least £3million a year, adding: 'Security is not a fashion accessory, it's a need.' EYE-WATERING TAB It leaves the Sussexes with an eye-watering tab just to meet their estimated outgoings. Last month, royal financial expert Norman Baker told Channel 5 show Meghan And Harry: Where Did The Money Go? that the Sussexes' earning potential was on the wane. The former Liberal Democrat MP said: 'They've done the big hits that they could do. 'They've done the big Spotify event, they've done the big book, there is nothing else to come, nothing else to sell apart from themselves.' Harry's autobiography Spare became the fastest-selling non-fiction book ever and has gone on to sell more than six million copies worldwide. With their Netflix deal over, perhaps Meghan will feel the time is right for her to release her own blockbuster tome to get the cash registers ringing again. Both Netflix and Harry and Meghan are yet to comment. 8 The Sussexes' home is a nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom mansion close to the Pacific in Montecito, which is in America's fifth most expensive postcode Credit: Google Earth 8 A Netflix insider has pronounced the couple's lucrative contract 'dead' Credit: Netflix
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Meghan & Harry's Netflix deal disaster is killing their US dream – how will they fund their incredibly lavish life now?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIKE a slowly collapsing soufflé, the Duchess of Sussex's 'narcissistic' cookery show has been judged a ratings flop – and Netflix has decided to pull the plug. The streamer will let the five-year, $100million deal they inked with Meghan and Harry for that series and a host of other shows quietly lapse when it is due for renewal in September. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Prince Harry and wife Meghan's $100million deal with Netflix has been scrapped Credit: Getty 8 There was backlash over Meghan's new name 'As Ever' Credit: As Ever A source at Netflix said of Meghan's efforts: 'She had everything going for her — name, platform, press — and the numbers were dismal.' Lifestyle and cookery show With Love, Meghan only ranked at number 383 in Netflix's six-monthly engagement report this year, with just 5.3million viewers across the globe. Described by one critic as an 'exercise in narcissism', it was beaten by reruns of the first four seasons of legal drama Suits, which also starred the Duchess in her pre-royal days. Once judged by some as Britain's greatest soft power asset since Princess Diana, Meghan was filmed for her show making ladybird-shaped canapes from cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. 'Dull indulgence' Even The Guardian was moved to describe With Love, Meghan as 'the sort of gormless lifestyle filler that, had it been made by the BBC, would be used to bulk out episodes of Saturday Kitchen'. In truth, the show is a smash hit compared to her husband's vanity docuseries Polo, blasted as 'a dull indulgence about a rich person's pursuit'. In the first six months of the year the programme attracted a disastrous 500,000 views globally, ranking it at number 3,442 out of around 7,000 shows. Reruns of the nine-year-old cartoon He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe scored similar numbers. A Netflix insider has pronounced the couple's lucrative contract 'dead', adding: 'They're just waiting for the credits to roll. 'They're letting it expire without drama. There's no appetite for anything new.' Meghan and Harry must need more money - their staff induction bill alone will be HUGE The end of what many regarded as a reliable source of vast income for the former HRHs has set off a bomb under Project Sussex and its bold ambitions. And of course it is not the Sussexes' first media deal that has gone south. Their reported $20million podcasting deal with Spotify was terminated in June 2023, with senior Spotify executive Bill Simmons labelling the duo 'f***ing grifters'. Hosted by Meghan, the Archetypes podcast featured conversations with friends and celebrities including Serena Williams, Mariah Carey and Trevor Noah. Critics said that in the episode with Williams it took 11 minutes before the tennis legend got a word in edgeways. In 2023 Simmons said: 'I wish I had been involved in the 'Meghan and Harry leave Spotify' negotiation. 'The F***ing Grifters. That's the podcast we should have launched with them. 'I have got to get drunk one night and tell the story of the Zoom I had with Harry to try and help him with a podcast idea. 'It's one of my best stories. F*** them. The grifters.' The Sussexes' undoubted TV hit was docuseries Harry & Meghan, released in December 2022. It became Netflix's biggest documentary debut, with more than 28million watching in the first four days of its release. In it the couple accused the Royal Family of 'unconscious bias' and claimed Palace aides were complicit in negative media briefings against them. 8 The Sussexes' undoubted TV hit was docuseries Harry & Meghan, released in December 2022 Credit: Netflix 8 Marketing experts Camille Moore and Phillip Millar accused Meghan's As Ever brand of being 'not intelligent' and 'not well executed' Credit: Instagram Podcast boss Simmons said of Harry that year: 'You live in f***ing Montecito and you just sell documentaries and podcasts and nobody cares what you have to say about anything unless you talk about the Royal Family and you just complain about them.' While the Netflix deal will lapse, Meghan's As Ever collection of wine, jam and cookies is displaying 'sold out' signs on her website. It raises the question of whether it will be her earnings that are increasingly relied upon to fund the family's expensive Hollywood lifestyle, and if so, will it be enough? PR expert Nick Ede believes that in the future the Duchess will provide the surest revenue stream, saying: 'Meghan is the best way of making money for the two of them. 'She is the breadwinner.' However, marketing experts Camille Moore and Phillip Millar accused Meghan's As Ever brand of being 'not intelligent' and 'not well executed'. Speaking on The Art Of The Brand podcast this week, Millar accused Meghan of trying to rinse the maximum value from her 'fame that came from Suits and being a part of the Royal Family'. Millar added: 'Her brand wasn't one built on substance. It was based on using people.' Meanwhile, Harry, who has two paying jobs — with sustainable tourism firm Travalyst and coaching company BetterUp — seems most passionate when he is undertaking his charitable endeavours. During a recent trip to Angola, The Duke followed in the footsteps of Princess Diana by walking through a minefield on behalf of his charity The Halo Trust. 'Life of service' Harry said in a statement: 'As a father to young children, it breaks my heart to see innocent children still living and playing next to minefields,' Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond commented: 'I think this is precisely the sort of work that Harry should do. 'It is not only a hugely worth-while cause, but it also connects him with his mother, which is something he yearns for. 'I think he is coming to recognise that the LA celebrity world is one in which he is not especially comfortable. 'And he seems quite willing to let Meghan take the limelight over there. 'He speaks frequently about a life of service, and trips like this certainly serve a very good cause indeed.' Yet charity missions, while good for the soul, do not pay the bills. And the Sussexes' court in the Californian sunshine is not a cheap enterprise. Their home, a nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom mansion close to the Pacific in Montecito, is in America's fifth most expensive postcode. 8 Meghan and Harry's podcasting deal with Spotify was terminated in 2023, with senior Spotify executive Bill Simmons labelling the duo 'f***ing grifters' Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 8 Harry's autobiography Spare became the fastest-selling non-fiction book ever They bought it for almost £11million after the drama of Megxit in 2020, and the following year Harry said in his tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey that his father has 'literally cut me off financially'. Without the money left to him by Diana — said to be £10million — Harry said 'we would not have been able to do this'. Harry's finances got a boost last September when he turned 40 and a fund set up by the late Queen Mother gave him access to around £8million. But while most people could live very well on that kind of cash, Harry and Meghan's lifestyle is not like most people's. They have more in common with the super-rich of California than your average couple. Indeed, they are said to have mortgage payments of around £350,000 a year, while staffing costs come to an estimated £180,000. Harry has also spent on court cases and could be in line for a £1.5million bill for his failed attempt to get the Home Office to pay for his security in the UK. Security is a very real worry for Prince Harry, who served two tours of Afghanistan. Former royal protection officer Simon Morgan estimated the Sussexes' protection costs come to at least £3million a year, adding: 'Security is not a fashion accessory, it's a need.' EYE-WATERING TAB It leaves the Sussexes with an eye-watering tab just to meet their estimated outgoings. Last month, royal financial expert Norman Baker told Channel 5 show Meghan And Harry: Where Did The Money Go? that the Sussexes' earning potential was on the wane. The former Liberal Democrat MP said: 'They've done the big hits that they could do. 'They've done the big Spotify event, they've done the big book, there is nothing else to come, nothing else to sell apart from themselves.' Harry's autobiography Spare became the fastest-selling non-fiction book ever and has gone on to sell more than six million copies worldwide. With their Netflix deal over, perhaps Meghan will feel the time is right for her to release her own blockbuster tome to get the cash registers ringing again. Both Netflix and Harry and Meghan are yet to comment. 8 The Sussexes' home is a nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom mansion close to the Pacific in Montecito, which is in America's fifth most expensive postcode Credit: Google Earth
Courier-Mail
6 hours ago
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Update on Harry, Meghan's TV plans after end of Netflix deal: ‘Coming soon'
Don't miss out on the headlines from Royals. Followed categories will be added to My News. IN LONDON Prince Harry and Meghan are poised to sign a new deal with Netflix following the end of their previous multi-year, multimillion dollar contract. It's been widely reported this week that, as expected, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's five-year agreement with the streaming service, which was signed in 2020, will expire in the coming months. However, according to Page Six, they're now set to ink a new 'first-look' contract with Netflix, similar to the type Barack and Michelle Obama have with the company. A 'first-look' deal generally means that there is an agreement where Netflix is granted exclusive rights to preview and potentially purchase a project before it's shopped around elsewhere. A source also revealed that 'there are more TV projects coming soon with both the duke and duchess', while the second season of Meghan's show, With Love, Meghan, is still on track to be released in September. Season two of With Love, Meghan is coming in September. Picture: Netflix Page Six also spoke to industry sources, who confirmed that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is still on good terms with Harry and Meghan and continues to support them. The news that the Sussexes' Netflix deal was ending came just days after the streaming giant released its semi-annual report, 'What We Watched', which ranked With Love, Meghan in 383rd place (out of 7,500) with a total of 5.3 million views. The series outperformed other shows in its category, including The Great British Bake Off, Chef's Table and the most recent season of Queer Eye. They're reportedly entering into a new 'first-look' deal. Picture:for TIME It comes as Meghan is reportedly hitting pause on her Confessions of a Female Founder podcast in order to focus on her lifestyle range, As Ever, according to Page Six. Both product drops this year have seen everything quickly sell out within hours. 'As a growing business, As Ever is continuing to explore growth opportunities that feel aligned with the brand's core values and quality standards,' a source told the publication. 'The brand continues to evolve with new products that align with her vision for quality lifestyle goods at accessible price points.' The couple's 2022 Netflix series, Harry & Meghan, was a massive ratings hit. Picture: Netflix Meanwhile, speculation that Harry and Meghan were considering moving back to the UK in some capacity following a recent 'royal peace summit' were firmly denied recently. Earlier this month, the Duke of Sussex's chief of staff and communications director, Meredith Maines, his UK spokesman, and the King's communications secretary, Tobyn Andrae, held a private meeting in London, reportedly to discuss the rift between the two parties. Tensions had first escalated when Harry and Meghan moved in 2020 to the US, where they are now based, and began to open up about the issues they'd faced during their time working within the monarchy. Having now taken that first concrete step toward reconciliation, rumours have been rife that the Sussexes are eyeing off some form of return to Harry's home country – but a source told US magazine People that they have no intention of leaving Montecito. Instead, the recent chat has been viewed as a potential reopening of the lines of communication between the duke and the King, who have been estranged in recent years. 'It was a good first step,' the insider said. 'It is always better to be talking.' Originally published as Update on Harry, Meghan's TV plans after end of Netflix deal: 'Coming soon'
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I know why desperate Meghan and Harry REALLY held peace talks – they'll be begging for handouts now, expert claims
A ROYAL expert has claimed the real reason why Meghan and Harry held peace talks, saying the Duke and Duchess will now be begging for handouts. Journalist and author Robert Jobson made the revealing comments whilst appearing on The Sun's latest Royal Exclusive show. 5 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's $100m deal with Netflix will not be renewed leading to speculation over what the royals will now do for money Credit: Splash 5 Peace talks between King Charles and his son Prince Harry are being lined up Credit: Getty 5 Prince Harry's older brother Prince William, left, is understood not to be involved in any peace talks Credit: The Times His insights come after it was revealed that the couple's Mr Jobson, talking to The Sun's Matt Wilkinson said: 'Well, the deal was always set about $100 million, wasn't it? '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. 'Where does it leave them? Probably with a bit of a bowl out, looking for some handouts.' Read More on Meghan Markle He added: 'Maybe that's why they were over with their staff, were over here having discussions with the King. I don't know. 'The reality is in the past they got support from the King and the late Queen, and they said they were going to go and make their way. 'They've lost Spotify, they've lost Netflix. 'They can't rely on the spare money forever, can they?' Most read in Royals The show's other guest, Sky News' royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills also speculated what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would now do for money. She said: 'It's just fascinating. They have this very expensive lifestyle. Meghan and Harry must need more money - their staff induction bill alone will be HUGE 'They have to 'How do you kind of keep the money coming in?' Earlier this month it was revealed Netflix will not renew their contract when it expires in September. The Sussexes and Netflix have mutually decided not to make an official announcement. But streaming execs have quietly agreed to part ways. It comes after It was also understood that bosses were mildly infuriated by Meghan making her As Ever brand a priority. A source said streamer Paramount+ was thought to be keen to work with the couple, who would be open to it if the right project came along. Last month it was announced Netflix had signed a deal with King Charles and And it was understood any deal with Netflix declined to comment. Harry is said to have King and Queen's director of communications. They spoke about potential ways to end their family conflict, though a proposal for Harry to make a royal return was not on the agenda. Adding intrigue to the developments, Prince William's team were not involved in the London summit. California-based Harry is next due to visit the UK in September for the annual WellChild events. It opens up the prospect of meeting his father for the first time in 18 months. 5 The loss of the Netflix deal comes after the couple lost their deal with Spotify Credit: AP 5 Royal commentator Richard Jobson speculated the Duke and Duchess will now be 'looking for some handouts' due to their financial situation Credit: Reuters
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I know why desperate Meghan and Harry REALLY held peace talks – they'll be begging for handouts now, expert claims
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A ROYAL expert has claimed the real reason why Meghan and Harry held peace talks, saying the Duke and Duchess will now be begging for handouts. Journalist and author Robert Jobson made the revealing comments whilst appearing on The Sun's latest Royal Exclusive show. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's $100m deal with Netflix will not be renewed leading to speculation over what the royals will now do for money Credit: Splash 5 Peace talks between King Charles and his son Prince Harry are being lined up Credit: Getty 5 Prince Harry's older brother Prince William, left, is understood not to be involved in any peace talks Credit: The Times His insights come after it was revealed that the couple's $100million deal with Netflix had been scrapped. Mr Jobson, talking to The Sun's Matt Wilkinson said: 'Well, the deal was always set about $100 million, wasn't it? '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. 'Where does it leave them? Probably with a bit of a bowl out, looking for some handouts.' He added: 'Maybe that's why they were over with their staff, were over here having discussions with the King. I don't know. 'The reality is in the past they got support from the King and the late Queen, and they said they were going to go and make their way. 'They've lost Spotify, they've lost Netflix. 'They can't rely on the spare money forever, can they?' The show's other guest, Sky News' royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills also speculated what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would now do for money. She said: 'It's just fascinating. They have this very expensive lifestyle. Meghan and Harry must need more money - their staff induction bill alone will be HUGE 'They have to pay for their security, pay for that big mansion. 'How do you kind of keep the money coming in?' Earlier this month it was revealed Netflix will not renew their contract when it expires in September. The Sussexes and Netflix have mutually decided not to make an official announcement. But streaming execs have quietly agreed to part ways. It comes after Harry's vanity project, Polo, about the sport, was watched by just 500,000 people. It was also understood that bosses were mildly infuriated by Meghan making her As Ever brand a priority. A source said streamer Paramount+ was thought to be keen to work with the couple, who would be open to it if the right project came along. Last month it was announced Netflix had signed a deal with King Charles and Idris Elba for a documentary exploring the impact of the King's Trust. And it was understood any deal with the Sussexes could be seen as a hindrance to that link-up. Netflix declined to comment. Harry is said to have 'given his blessing' for the peace talks involving two of his team plus the King and Queen's director of communications. They spoke about potential ways to end their family conflict, though a proposal for Harry to make a royal return was not on the agenda. Adding intrigue to the developments, Prince William's team were not involved in the London summit. California-based Harry is next due to visit the UK in September for the annual WellChild events. It opens up the prospect of meeting his father for the first time in 18 months. Buckingham Palace had also supported the proposals to 'open a channel of communication' — it has been claimed. 5 The loss of the Netflix deal comes after the couple lost their deal with Spotify Credit: AP
