Harry and Meghan’s series snubbed at Emmys; is the Prince tiring of their red carpet life?

There will be no Emmys glory for Meghan and Harry, but as she hires a Hollywood heavy-hitter as her new agent, it seems he is tiring of Tinseltown and planning to leave without his wife.

OPINION

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been snubbed at the Emmy nominations.

Their controversial Netflix documentary series was reportedly watched for more than 81 million hours. The show was nominated in the Best Streaming Nonfiction category at the Hollywood Critics Awards, an arguably more prestigious event, but being left out of TV’s biggest and most glittering awards show proves they didn’t win over the public.

Royal expert Ingrid Seward told Britain’s Mirror newspaper that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are “devastated” about being left out, “but of course [they] will not show it”.

The scathing review observed the couple talked about the royal family as the enemy, while positioning themselves as heroes suffering hardships in a “rose-tinted world”.

It’s the latest crack to appear in the couple’s post-royal media empire, with reports Meghan is gearing up for a rebrand while Harry is preparing to escape to Africa by himself. It seems if he’s going to escape La-La-Land, he’ll have to do it alone.

Harry and Meghan have a US$100 million (A$146 million) deal with Netflix. Picture: Netflix

The controversial six-episode series was snubbed in the Emmys nominations. Picture: Netflix

Just bad luck, or another explanation?

The Daily Mail’s Alison Boshoff recently reported the pair consider themselves “unlucky”.

Months after Megxit was announced, the world turned upside down with the outbreak of COVID-19. Their explosive interview with Oprah happened shortly before the death of Prince Philip. Publicity for Meghan’s podcast was impacted by the death of the Queen.

The Prince’s book, Spare, was a bright spot, winning a Guinness World Record as the fastest-selling non-function book of all time for its stunning first-day sales.

Harry’s memoir was a success, but the rest of the media empire is crumbling. Picture: AFP

The couple recently parted ways with Spotify, despite their US$20 million (A$29 million) deal and Meghan’s Archetypes podcast was axed before she could make a second season.

And now there’s their Netflix show has been snubbed on the awards circuit.

However, industry experts suggest there’s another reason for the “bad luck”.

“Turns out Meghan Markle was not a great audio talent or necessarily any kind of talent,” high-profile agent Jeremy Zimmer reportedly told the Daily Mail.

“You know, just because you’re famous doesn’t make you great at something.”

Just because you’re “talent” doesn’t mean you’re talented. Picture: Getty Images

Meghan buckles in; Harry escapes to Africa

The pair positioned themselves as global do-gooders, having bonded over their charity work. But the fact that all their content is about their personal lives — and not about said work — means viewers have lost interest. How much can you really just complain?

Meghan appears to be digging in, having reportedly just signed a management deal with heavy-hitting Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel. It’s a strategic move to resuscitate her personal brand, which will likely see a slew of food, fashion, and wellness endorsements.

Rumours are also swirling around a book of her own.

Meghan is digging in, but Harry is reportedly returning to his roots. Picture: AFP

Harry, on the other hand, is reportedly escaping to his comfort zone, planning to return to Africa to film a documentary about his mother’s charitable work on the continent.

It’s still part of the Sussex media circus, but it’s a chance to raise awareness.

“Personally, I get so much out of helping other people,” he said recently in San Francisco.

“To be in the service of others is what drives me, what gets me out of bed every day.”

The Prince told Oprah he signed the deals with Netflix and Spotify because the House of Windsor had cut him off and he needed to pay for his family’s private security detail.

On top of that, the couple purchased a US$14.7 million (A$21.5 million) California mansion and the prince has waged an outrageously expensive legal war on the British media. His legal fees are estimated to be somewhere around the A$1.1 million mark.

It’s true the pair has an unenviable relationship with the paparazzi. Picture: Getty Images

From Prince to producer

A multipronged media career — as a writer, producer, and star — is a curious choice for someone who grew up in the spotlight and has a strained relationships with tabloids.

But Harry was never cut out for the red carpet.

All the moments photographers have captured in his hyper-documented life prove the royal rebel struggles in a suit and tie and loves opportunities to be hands-on.

Harry thrived in the military, serving 10 years — including two tours in Afghanistan — while rising to the rank of Captain. He says it was the happiest time in his life.

Harry says his years in the army were the time of his life. Picture: AFP

Harry has never been afraid to get his hands dirty for charity. Picture: Kensington Royal

The Prince’s eyes light up every time he returns to Africa, particularly when he’s working with his beloved charity Sentebale, which supports young people in Southern Africa.

Harry has come face-to-face with the gruesome reality of rhino poaching, poured his heart and soul into the Invictus Games, and worked hard to help those less fortunate.

He’s just about the last person who you would expect to thrive in Tinseltown.

The Prince has done a lot of charitable work in Lesotho through Sentebale. Picture: Getty Images

Escape from La-La-Land

The Sussexes’ likability is undeniably low. A recent YouGov survey found Harry was liked by 48 per cent of people, and disliked by 24 per cent, giving him a rating of 24.

Meanwhile, Meghan’s net favourability plunged to -47.

Rumours are currently swirling about marital strife, although perhaps that’s just a continuation in the carefully orchestrated story about who they are behind closed doors. If that’s the case, we can expect to hear the highly publicised redemption arc shortly.

It seems the couple is now at a crossroads with two choices.

Every decision comes with consequences, as the Sussexes well know. Picture: Getty Images

They can forge ahead together, sacrificing their last shreds of dignity as they cling to their remaining media deals and try desperately to claw back their favourability.

Or they can divide and conquer, leaving Meghan clambering for the spotlight in Hollywood while Harry goes to Africa to do some real work and use his fame for good.

Something has to give if they’re going to make it back to the hot list.

Originally published as Harry and Meghan’s series snubbed at Emmys; is the Prince tiring of their red carpet life?