Netflix Deal or Media Mirage? The Real Story Behind Harry and Meghan's Partnership

THE DUCHESS AND THE DIVA: MEGHAN MARKLE'S PUBLIC RELATIONS MASTERCLASS

In a shocking twist, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have parted ways with their African charity in memory of Harry's mother, Diana, but it seems they've got one thing right – their PR skills. Just this week, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan released a statement that has left the media world talking.

The couple announced their continued partnership with Netflix, which initially sparked excitement as speculation swirled about their potential departure from the streaming giant. But, much like a magician's trick, the truth behind the deal is far more mundane than meets the eye.

According to sources close to the matter, the original $100million (£75 million) deal signed in 2020 has not been renewed. Instead, Netflix has offered the Sussexes a "first-look" agreement, which grants them the option – but no obligation – to commission any project suggested by Harry and Meghan. And here's the kicker: they'll only be paid in full if their projects are actually greenlit.

This is where things get juicy. A showbusiness insider revealed that this arrangement could be seen as a "face-saving" measure, allowing Netflix to cut ties with the Sussexes if their future content doesn't meet expectations. And what better example of mediocre content than their 2022 docu-series, Harry & Meghan? The one in which Meghan was accused of mocking Queen Elizabeth II's late majesty by performing an exaggerated curtsy?

But don't be fooled – Netflix is far from done with the Sussexes just yet. They've announced a second series of With Love, Meghan, featuring lifestyle and cookery segments that failed to make the cut in their first six months. And if you thought things couldn't get more cringeworthy, they're also planning a special Christmas holiday edition.

Meanwhile, Netflix will be releasing a short documentary produced by the Sussexes about an orphanage in Uganda called Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within. We can only assume this is a desperate attempt to cling to their dwindling relevance.

So, have the Sussexes received a retainer or upfront fee? Their spokesperson insists on it, but we're left wondering how much they'll actually receive. After all, as one source pointed out, "a lot of people were paid handsomely for nothing" in the world of entertainment.

But perhaps the most scandalous revelation is yet to come. A new trailer for With Love, Meghan has sparked controversy among those who worked with Meghan during her time as a front-line member of the Royal Family – and it's all about her latest guest star: model and TV producer Chrissy Teigen.

Teigen, who apologized in 2021 for bullying online, is set to appear on Meghan's show. And we can't help but wonder if she'll be discussing the "crushing weight of regret" that comes with being a social media troll. After all, in 2018, Meghan was accused by a senior royal aide of bullying staff in the Royal Household.

As the saying goes: "pride comes before a fall." It seems the Sussexes have finally learned this lesson – albeit too late to save their tarnished reputation. The question on everyone's lips is: what's next for this dysfunctional duo?