Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will regret ‘baffling’ Netflix series

With the release of their docuseries, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have widened the gulf between them and the royal family. But will it be worth it, asks Julie Cross.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in their new Netflix docuseries. Picture: Netflix

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could have left the royal family in a dignified manner, kept their mouths shut and become the biggest superstars on the planet.

They could have lived a happy, comfortable and contented life away from the media spotlight they claim so loudly to hate.

And, on occasion they could have dabbled in some charity work, and been applauded.

But instead they have decided to turn themselves – and the royal family – into the biggest, most salacious soap opera since Dynasty, and with as much grace.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to film a Netflix series could come back to bite them. Picture: Netflix

Last night Netflix simultaneously launched the first three episodes of their documentary Harry & Meghan.

In the most unroyal of manners, the Sussexes once again complained about their lot, while re-flaming accusations that there is racism within the royal family.

Every bile-filled blow from the Sussexes would have been like a knife to the heart of Prince Harry’s father King Charles, who will command enormous sympathy from many as he finds his feet as monarch following the Queen’s death just over three months ago.

The couple has given the world a peek inside their private life. Picture: Netflix

While his brother, Prince William, once Prince Harry’s close confidante, will have been left seething at how his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, and wife, the current Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, have been exploited in the Sussexes’ money making deal with Netflix.

And, while the six-parter – the other three episodes will be released on December 15 – has netted the Duke and Duchess a reported A$147million, anyone with half a brain can see that it will never buy the self-entitled pair happiness or contentment or, for that matter, the public’s respect.

Their actions are baffling – and isolating.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at an event in New York earlier this week. Picture: AFP

How can Prince Harry’s family ever trust them again knowing anything they say or do within earshot could be sold to the highest bidder?

The Sussexes may have been all smug smiles while picking up their Ripple of Hope award at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights event in New York this week for quote “unwavering commitment to social change”, embraced by new-found friends over racial injustice and mental health issues.

But on the other side of the “pond” there would have been no messages of congratulations from his father or brother, nor the rest of their extended, and unashamedly hierarchical family.

The loved up couple. Picture: Netflix

Christmas will not witness a big, happy family get-together for the Sussexes, or a joint trip to church, despite Ms Markle saying in the series that joining the royals was wonderful and it was “just like a big family that I always wanted”.

Well that turned out not to be true, didn’t it?

Since getting together, the couple have cut themselves off from his family, and much of hers.

Perhaps they will spend those landmark birthdays and life events with their new celebrity contacts, their Netflix executive producer, perhaps?

Whichever way you look at it, Prince Harry and Ms Markle have just trashed their families in order to make some cash.

One day, they just might regret it.

Originally published as Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will regret ‘baffling’ Netflix series