Meghan Markle is allegedly placing blame on Prince Harry and others for the reported difficulties in the couple's high-profile Netflix partnership, according to sources cited in recent tabloid reports, even as the streaming giant publicly denies any major rift and the Sussexes announce a new scripted polo drama project.

Meghan Markle
IBTimes US

The claims surfaced amid a scathing Variety article published March 17, 2026, that painted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's five-and-a-half-year relationship with Netflix as increasingly strained. Multiple sources told the entertainment publication that Netflix executives were "exhausted" by the couple, describing them as difficult to work with and suggesting the multimillion-dollar deal had lost momentum.

A follow-up report from RadarOnline, widely circulated in outlets including Reality Tea and AOL, claimed Markle was "blaming everyone but herself" for the downturn, specifically pointing fingers at Prince Harry among others. One unnamed source told the outlet there was a "strong feeling" that Markle held Harry partly responsible for the challenges in delivering successful content under their Archewell Productions banner.

Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria pushed back against the negative narrative during a "Next on Netflix" event on March 18. "Don't believe whatever you read. Maybe we should all do a little fact-checking," Bajaria said, adding that the company still had an ongoing relationship with the couple and several projects in development on both the film and television sides. She noted that deals naturally expire and not all are renewed, downplaying the drama.

The partnership began in 2020 shortly after Harry and Markle stepped back as senior working royals and moved to California. The reported $100 million deal promised a slate of documentaries, scripted series and other content through Archewell Productions. Their 2022 docuseries "Harry & Meghan" became one of Netflix's most-watched releases, but subsequent projects have faced mixed results or delays.

Markle's lifestyle brand "As Ever" recently saw Netflix withdraw as an equity investor, adding fuel to speculation about cooling relations. There are also no plans for a third season of her cooking/lifestyle series "With Love, Meghan," according to multiple reports.

Despite the rumors, the couple moved quickly to signal continued collaboration. On March 24, Deadline reported that Archewell Productions is teaming with Fake Empire — the company behind hits like "Gossip Girl" and "The O.C." — to develop an untitled scripted drama about the high-stakes world of polo in Wellington, Florida. The series is described as an "upstairs-downstairs" story exploring rival teams and the wealthy families behind them, playing to Prince Harry's well-known passion for the sport.

The announcement came just days after the Variety piece and appeared designed to demonstrate that creative work with Netflix continues. Sources close to the couple have disputed claims of serious tension, with some insiders telling outlets that Harry and Markle feel certain negative stories are being leaked from within Netflix itself.

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Royal commentators and entertainment analysts offered differing takes on the reported blame game. Some suggested the couple's challenges stem from unrealistic expectations on both sides — Netflix hoping for more immediate commercial hits, while the Sussexes sought greater creative control and alignment with their personal brand. Others pointed to the difficulty of transitioning from royal life to Hollywood production, where delivering consistent content under tight deadlines proves demanding.

Harry, in particular, has been portrayed in some accounts as less hands-on with day-to-day production decisions compared to Markle, who has driven several lifestyle-oriented projects. The RadarOnline source claimed Markle viewed Harry's royal background as carrying less "pulling power" in entertainment circles than anticipated, though such assertions remain unverified and heavily disputed by the couple's representatives.

The Sussexes have faced a string of professional setbacks and public scrutiny in early 2026. Beyond the Netflix questions, Markle's lifestyle brand launch encountered hurdles, and the couple dealt with renewed media attention surrounding various books and interviews. Their move to Montecito, California, and efforts to build independent careers have drawn both praise for entrepreneurial spirit and criticism for perceived inconsistencies in their privacy stance.

Friends of the couple have pushed back against the narrative of internal blame. One source told People magazine that Harry and Markle remain united and focused on selective, meaningful projects rather than rushing content to meet external expectations. They continue to explore opportunities beyond Netflix, with Archewell Productions promising additional shows for other platforms.

Netflix's overall stance has been pragmatic. Executives emphasize that the entertainment industry is full of deals that run their course, and the company maintains hundreds of similar partnerships. Bajaria's comments appeared aimed at quelling speculation while keeping the door open for future collaboration on the polo drama and any other approved projects.

Public reaction has been mixed, with social media divided between supporters who see the couple as victims of biased reporting and critics who view the situation as emblematic of broader challenges in translating royal fame into sustainable Hollywood success. Tabloid coverage has amplified every rumor, while more measured outlets like Variety and Deadline stick closer to industry sourcing.

As of late March 2026, no official confirmation has emerged of the full deal's expiration or non-renewal. The couple's representatives have not directly addressed the "blame" claims, choosing instead to highlight forward-looking announcements like the polo series.

Relationship experts and royal watchers note that high-pressure careers can strain even strong partnerships, but Harry and Markle have repeatedly presented a united front in public statements. Whether the reported finger-pointing reflects genuine private tension or exaggerated tabloid spin remains unclear.

The saga underscores the intense scrutiny faced by the Sussexes since leaving royal duties. Every professional move is dissected, with success or setbacks framed through the lens of their dramatic exit from the monarchy in 2020.

For now, the couple appears focused on delivering the new polo drama and other pending projects. Netflix continues to develop content with Archewell while managing expectations around output and timelines.

Observers will watch closely to see whether the partnership evolves into a more limited "first-look" arrangement or continues with renewed energy. In Hollywood, where deals frequently shift, the true state of Harry and Markle's Netflix relationship may only become fully clear once more concrete projects reach screens — or fail to materialize.

The polo series, with its blend of sport, wealth and family intrigue, could serve as a test case for whether the Sussexes can translate personal interests into compelling television that resonates with global audiences.

As the story develops, both the couple and Netflix are likely to maintain careful messaging to protect their respective brands in an industry where perception often carries as much weight as actual production progress.