Harry, Meghan ‘didn’t approach’ Jacinda Ardern over Netflix documentary

The NZ PM says Harry and Meghan never approached her over her appearance in their latest Netflix show, confirms featured interview was filmed in 2019 for someone else.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on a visit to Pillars in Manukau City in 2018.

Jacinda Ardern has distanced herself from Harry and Meghan’s latest Netflix documentary, saying she only found out on Tuesday that she was appearing in the program and had never discussed the project with the couple.

On Tuesday, Netflix announced the new documentary “Live to Lead,” as part of their $100m deal with the Sussexes. Among leaders appearing in the series are the late Nelson Mandela and the New Zealand Prime Minister.

Ms Ardern is featured in the trailer saying: “ As leaders we have the keys to create a sense of security and a sense of hope.’’

But the Prime Minister said said when she recorded the interview that is included in the documentary, she had no idea Harry and Meghan would use the clip.

“The Mandela Foundation has kept the office up to date with what they have intended to do with interviews, but I have not stayed close to that, so I became aware of what was happening with it yesterday,” Ms Ardern told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.

“Roughly three years ago I undertook an interview with the Mandela Foundation. They were producing resources for future leaders, with a focus on young leaders,” she said.

“As is common practice, the Mandela Foundation hold the rights to do what they will with that interview. I continue to stand by that. This is now their footage, their transcript and it is ultimately a matter for them what they choose to do with it.

“I have not been involved in the decision-making around what happens next, nor have I had direct contact with the Sussexes over what is happening next.”

Earlier, Ms Ardern’s office told NZ media Harry and Meghan never approached the Prime Minister about the interview’s inclusion in “Live to Lead.”

“Originally we were advised the outputs would be printed and digital books, short films and audiobooks,” the PM’s spokesman said in a statement.

In March 2020, a short book entitled “Jacinda Ardern (I Know This to be True)” was published based on the interview, the spokesman said. An interview with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died in 2020, also appeared in the book. The legendary Supreme Court judge also appears in Harry and Meghan’s documentary.

NZ PM Jacina Ardern is one of the "inspirational" leaders featured. Picture: Netflix

In March 2021, the Nelson Mandela Foundation advised Ms Ardern’s office they had secured a deal with Netflix to broadcast a series of interviews, including hers.

“In May this year the prime minister’s office was notified that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would introduce the series; noting this was nearly two and a half years after the interview had been recorded and permission for its use by the Mandela Foundation had already been provided,” the spokesman said.

The statement added that all communication over the series had been with the Mandela Foundation, and none with Harry and Meghan – who are executive producers of “Live to Lead.”.

The NZ Herald reported Ms Ardern’s inclusion in the controversial couple’s new project might have sparked a constitutional crisis, with a sitting prime minister appearing to side with Prince Harry against his father King Charles.

MS Ardern said she stood by the interview, but dodged the question when asked if she would have gone ahead with it if she had known it would end up in the Sussexes documentary.

“I gave over those rights for that interview, which is not uncommon practice. I stand by doing that. It is ultimately for (the Mandela Foundation) to decide,” she said.

The documentary will be released on Netflix on December 31.