Despite heavy promotion, the second season of the show – centered on cooking, gardening and home entertaining – was met with scathing reviews and disappointing engagement figures.
“Netflix knows Meghan’s up-to-date series has obviously not landed well,” a source close to the negotiations told us.
“They think the reaction was frankly terrible, but they’re willing to tolerate it because the long-term prize is Harry delivering on a Diana anniversary project. That’s what they really want.”
Betting bosses have been equally brutal.
Odds released by Pundit Arena today put the chance of cancellation of Markle’s show after two seasons at 1/2, while a third installment is seen as unlikely.
But our sources say Netflix executives are said to believe Harry’s Diana documentary – due in 2027 – could become a global cultural event.
“Harry remains the only royal voice who can tell his mother’s story with authenticity,” the source said.
“He’s been thinking for a while he could earn big money with it, and knows it’s the carrot to dangle in front of Netflix bosses so they keep dealing with him and Meghan.
“And he’s right. The company is convinced that whatever it takes to get that documentary on the platform will be worth it.
“Meghan’s projects are a rate they are prepared to pay for it.”
Harry, 40, and Markle, 44, relocated to California after stepping down as senior royals in 2020.
Since then, their output for Netflix has included the six-part docuseries Harry & Meghan, which drew record audiences but fierce criticism from sections of the British press.
Their offer has also produced the Invictus Games documentary Heart of Invictus, but fewer high-profile projects than initially expected.
Executives are said to be increasingly frustrated by the imbalance between cost and output.
One insider said: “There’s a sense that the return hasn’t matched the investment.
“Meghan’s show was supposed to be her big comeback, but the buzz just wasn’t there.
“If it weren’t for a Diana series from Harry on the horizon, it’s very possible the offer would already be dead.”
Still, the Sussexes continue to pursue new projects.
Markle has hinted at a potential memoir or ventures into publishing and fashion if her screen career stalls.
Harry, meanwhile, has emphasized his commitment to Invictus and charitable work.
Netflix, however, is focused on the Diana anniversary.
“The 30th year since her death will be a defining moment,” a source added.
“They want Harry front and center, talking about the mother he lost, reflecting on her legacy, and tying it to the modern monarchy. That’s the gold dust.”
A second insider was blunter, adding: “Right today, Meghan and Harry are still on the books because of Diana. If not for that, Netflix would already have moved on.”
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