Public relations experts are advising Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to clearly separate their professional paths as questions grow around their entertainment projects and evolving personal brands.
The suggestion comes as some of the couple's entertainment projects remain in development and their streaming partnership with Netflix faces increasing scrutiny. Observers say the Sussexes may benefit from clarifying how their individual ventures fit into their broader public and commercial roles.
Expert says Sussexes should define separate brand lanes
According to experts , the couple would benefit from drawing a clearer line between their individual professional directions. Speaking to the Daily Express, Smith said that combining two different brand identities could weaken both."If I were advising them, I would actually separate the lanes more clearly," Smith said.
She noted that Meghan appears to be focusing increasingly on building a lifestyle and commercial brand, which differs from the public positioning associated with Prince Harry.
"Meghan, at this point, does not feel aligned with that positioning anymore. She is clearly building a lifestyle and commercial brand," Smith said.
Smith suggested that separating their approaches would allow both to develop independently without creating confusion around their shared public image.
"Stick to your lanes and allow each of them to thrive independently rather than trying to blend two very different brand identities into one blurred narrative," she added.
Background of the Sussexes after leaving royal duties
Prince Harry stepped away from the Royal Family in 2020 along with Meghan Markle and their son, Prince Archie. Following their departure, the couple publicly raised concerns about their treatment within the royal institution.They later accused the Royal Family of showing racism toward their son and spoke about their experiences in televised interviews. After leaving royal duties, the couple relocated to California.
Since then, their family has expanded with the birth of their daughter, Princess Lilibet.
From their base in California, the Sussexes have pursued several media and entertainment ventures through their production company Archewell.
Netflix projects face delays and uncertainty
One of the most notable projects under Archewell Productions is a planned film adaptation of Carley Fortune's bestselling novel Meet Me at the Lake. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced in August 2023 that the romantic story would be adapted for the screen.Netflix reportedly paid around $3 million (£2.2 million) for the rights to the book. However, nearly three years after the project was announced, it still does not have a director or cast attached.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to clearly separate their professional paths Industry sources say the film remains in development. According to one Hollywood source quoted by Page Six, the delay has raised concerns. "Three years in development for a movie like this at Netflix isn't good," the source said.
The slow progress has also led to wider questions about the future of the couple's streaming partnership.
Streaming deal evolves after mixed performance
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle originally signed a five-year exclusivity agreement with Netflix in September 2020, shortly after stepping back from royal duties. The deal was reportedly worth around £74 million.Under that arrangement, all projects from Archewell Productions were expected to appear exclusively on Netflix.
However, the exclusivity arrangement has since ended. The Sussexes and Netflix quietly agreed to part ways from the exclusive contract without issuing a formal public announcement.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex The partnership has now shifted to a multi-year first-look deal. This arrangement allows Netflix the right of first refusal on projects before the couple approach other streaming platforms. The change reportedly followed mixed results from several ventures.
One example cited was Prince Harry's polo documentary, which attracted about 500,000 viewers.
Streaming executives were also reportedly frustrated that Meghan focused on developing her lifestyle brand, As Ever, instead of prioritising Netflix commitments.
Shows struggle with viewership and development delays
Meghan Markle's lifestyle programme With Love, Meghan has also faced setbacks. Netflix has dropped the show after two seasons and decided not to commission further episodes as audience numbers declined.According to Forbes, the programme's second season failed to enter Netflix's US Top 10 during its launch week. However, a 2025 holiday special linked to the show did manage to appear on the chart.
The programme featured Meghan sharing recipes, preparing gifts and cooking with celebrity chefs across eight episodes per season. Despite the format, the show faced strong criticism from viewers.
Other projects linked to the Sussexes remain in development.
An adaptation of Jasmine Guillory's romantic novel The Wedding Date is also still in development at Netflix.
Meanwhile, the documentary Cookie Queen, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, has not yet secured a distributor despite receiving positive feedback.
Prince Harry stepped away from the Royal Family in 2020 along with Meghan Markle Industry insiders say the future of the couple's streaming partnership may depend on whether their upcoming projects deliver results. "I don't know how long this new deal is for, but if they don't have anything to show soon, I can't imagine it will be renewed," a source told Page Six.
Despite the uncertainty, Archewell Productions continues to collaborate with Netflix on several scripted and unscripted projects at different stages of development.
Sources also said the company maintains a positive working relationship with the streaming platform and plans to provide updates once projects are officially announced.