Harry and Meghan’s New Projects Face \201cTremendous Pressure\201d to Succeed
According to a royal expert, the couple don't "have the option of failing."

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they were stepping away from their royal duties last year to pursue their own careers, the shock of the revelation was felt around the globe. But according to Duncan Larcombe, a former royal editor and author of the book Prince Harry: The Inside Story, that huge amount of controversy is precisely why there’s so much riding on their success now.
Speaking with Closer this week, Larcombe explained that the stakes are high for the couple when it comes to their new projects—like their production company Archewell Productions, a reported multimillion-dollar, multiyear deal with Netflix, a tell-all memoir, and a speculated podcasting deal with Spotify. “With these deals, there’s tremendous pressure on Harry and Meghan to deliver and make a success of their life in America,” Larcombe told the publication. “They’ve caused such an uproar—for both the royal family and in the media—that they don’t really have the option of failing. It would be the ultimate humiliation.”
Larcombe also guessed how Harry and Meghan might be feeling about their standing with the rest of the royal family, and how the UK backlash to their Oprah interview may be affecting them emotionally. “I’ve reported on Harry since he was a teenager and he was the most popular member of the royal family. And going from that to where he is now must be really hard for him and probably adds to his anger,” he told the publication.
He added, “It’s worrying to think what Harry has left if his American life fails for him. I don’t think he’ll be welcomed back as a working royal, but he would as a brother, son and grandson.”
Obviously all of this is speculation, but it raises the question of whether the multiple, high-profile deals that Harry and Meghan have been signing off on can justify the controversy their departure from the royal family caused. While Americans can’t seem to get enough of the royal couple, it remains to be seen how much audiences stateside will react to every project in the current pipeline. Then again, even when we get radio silence from the Harry and Meghan, we’re still glued to any news about them—a good indicator that U.S. audiences are willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. We'll see when their first Archewell Netflix series, Heart of Invictus, which follows athletes preparing for the 2022 Invictus Games, premieres.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Inside Kate Middleton's "Extra Special" Mother's Day Celebrations With Prince William and Family
"This Mother’s Day is one they can wholeheartedly celebrate as Catherine continues her recovery."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Kate and William Want to "Renovate" an "Abandoned" Building
"I think they surprised a lot of people when they moved there," a royal expert explained.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The 5 Best Things I Bought, Tried, and Tested Throughout March
From hydrating lip oils to cult-classic sneakers.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
Prince Harry Makes a Brief but Meaningful Appearance in Netflix's 'With Love, Meghan'
The Duke of Sussex requests a mimosa as he supports wife Meghan Markle at an important event.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Dedicates 'With Love, Meghan' to Her Late Rescue Dog Guy, and He Appears Throughout the Series
Viewers will see the sweet beagle sitting in the corner of the kitchen while his mom works.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle's Career as a Cocktail Waitress Was Cut Short When She Hilariously Messed Up a Drink Order
"They're like, 'Let's have you go back to being a coat check girl.'"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Surprises Fans at "Magical" 'With Love, Meghan' Launch Event in New York
"The girls that have been supporting me for nearly a decade!"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Celebrate Meghan Markle's New Netflix Show With an Amazing Gift
The little royals paid tribute to their mom's success in the sweetest way.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kristen Bell Says She Has No "Chemistry" With 'Nobody Wants This' Costar Adam Brody
"We're like an old granny and grampy. It's not hot and heavy on set at all."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Norwegian Royal Family Releases Serious Update Regarding Queen Sonja's Health After Skiing Incident
The Queen Consort was previously hospitalized for her condition and is set to undergo surgery.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Royal Courtiers Allegedly Gave Prince Harry and Prince Andrew Unexpected 'Dukes of Hazzard' Nicknames
A royal expert claimed the nicknames—inspired by the famous TV show—relate to King Charles.
By Amy Mackelden Published