Jacinda Ardern distances herself from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series

New Zealand’s Prime Minister has released a surprising statement on her role in the new Netflix docuseries from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern moved to distance herself from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after appearing in the trailer for their next Netflix project.

Despite featuring heavily in the opening trailer for “Live to Lead”, Ms Ardern was unaware she would be a part of a project with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and had not spoken to the couple about the series.

With King Charles the head of state for New Zealand, a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office disavowing her involvement with the Sussexes was seen as a move to avoid a diplomatic blunder.

“There has been no communications with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex regarding the project,” the statement said.

The interview of Ms Ardern used in the series was filmed more than two and a half years ago in November 2019 for the Mandela Foundation, Ms Ardern’s office said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their 2018 tour of Australia and NZ. Picture: Getty Images

“Originally we were advised the outputs would be printed and digital books, short films and audiobooks,” the statement said.

“In March 2020 a short book entitled Jacinda Ardern (I Know This to be True) was published based on the interview.

“In March 2021 the Nelson Mandela Foundation advised the prime minister’s office they had secured an agreement with Netflix to broadcast the series of interviews, including the 2019 interview with the prime minister.”

“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.”

“All communication throughout has been with the foundation (there has been no communications with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex regarding the project).”

HARRY AND MEGHAN ANNOUNCE NEW SHOW

Netflix has released a trailer for a new documentary series hosted by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The new series will celebrate “inspirational leaders” throughout history, including New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the late US Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Greta Thunberg and the late former South African president Nelson Mandela.

Prince Harry, in the new Netflix trail, says the show was inspired by former South African president Nelson Mandela. Picture: Netflix

Meghan Markle quotes Nelson Mandela in a trailer for the new Netflix series. Picture: Netflix

Opening the trailer, Prince Harry says Nelson Mandela was the inspiration for the documentary.

He then goes on to quote the late former South African president, saying: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we’ve lived …”

Ms Markle finishes the quote, adding: “It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

Prince Harry says the series is “about people who have made brave choices” and who give “inspiration to the rest of us, to live, to lead”.

The trailer features Ms Ardern, who struck up a friendship with the Sussexes during the 2018 tour of Australia and New Zealand.

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

Live to Lead will be released on December 31.

Minutes after the Netflix show was revealed, the royal family confirmed their plans as they prepare for their Christmas without the late Queen.

King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort will be joined by other members of the royal family for a morning church service in Sandringham.

While the full list of attendees is yet to be confirmed, it is likely that the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children, will be there.

HARRY AND MEGHAN’S CALL FOR ‘SIT DOWN’ IGNORED

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s request for an urgent “sit down” with the royal family to address their “issues” has been ignored.

In response to Prince Harry and Ms Markle’s damning six-hour, destructive Netflix series, which has been dogged by criticism and heaped untold damage on the monarchy, there is silence from Buckingham Palace in response to the royal exiles’ request as it can be revealed Prince Harry’s book Spare, published on January 10, will up the ante in his fight with The Firm.

A source close to the Sussexes say the working royals would like to have a meeting with the Palace. Picture: Netflix

A source close to the Sussexes said they would “one hundred per cent “like to have a meeting” given no such talks to address their concerns were arranged and no formal apology or taking responsibility or accountability was declared.

It is understood no one has yet received formal invitations to the King’s coronation at Westminster Abbey in May but the couple, like the rest of the royal family, is expected to be invited.

Friends of Prince William say he has no plans to speak to his brother. Picture: AFP

Buckingham Palace has maintained a dignified silence over the two part documentary.

The series branded the King a liar and accused Prince William of screaming and shouting at Prince Harry and the Queen of quietly looking on during the meeting at Sandringham when Prince Harry spelled out his intention to leave the family to become a working royal.

Prince Harry said it was “terrifying” to have William “scream and shout” at the summit in January 2020 to determine the Sussexes’ future.

The King said things “that simply weren’t true” and Her Majesty sat “quietly” taking it all in, Prince Harry said.

A handout released by Royal Communications shows Lady Susan Hussey and Ngozi Fulani, founder of Sistah Space, in the Regency room at Buckingham Palace on December 16. Picture: AFP/Buckingham Palace

“You have to understand,” Prince Harry told Netflix, “that from a family’s perspective, especially from hers, there are ways of doing things and her ultimate mission, goal, slash responsibility is the institution. People around her are telling her that proposal or these two doing x, y or z is going to be seen as an attack on the institution, then she’s going to go on the advice she’s been given.”

Insiders say Prince Harry and Ms Markle feel the royal family has exhibited double standards by instigating a reconciliation meeting between charity boss Ngozi Fulani and former lady in waiting to the Queen Lady Susan Hussey, resulting in an amicable reconciliation and apology given ending an apparent race row.

Lady Susan made “unacceptable and deeply regrettable” comments about Ms Fulani’s heritage last month, and offered her “sincere apologies” at last week’s meeting at Buckingham Palace.

Originally published as Jacinda Ardern distances herself from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series