Reports have emerged that Netflix is unlikely to renew its deal with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, signaling potential turbulence in the couple’s post-royal media endeavors.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle promptly signed a five-year, multi-million dollar contract with the streaming giant to create content after leaving the Royal Family in 2020. Rumours have since swirled around a renewal for the royal duo, as the contract is set to expire next year.

TV journalist, Dan Wootton, writes the “Netflix hammer blow is coming”. In his editorial, he pens: “After years of flops and non-deliveries, the Netflix hammer blow is coming, with Puck’s highly connected newsletter – edited by the former editorial director of The Hollywood Reporter Matthew Belloni – confirming long-suspected rumours I first reported last June that ‘the streamer is not expected to renew its five-year, $100million (£76million) deal signed in 2020’.”

Dan also reveals a source confided that the monarch is worried the Sussexes will run out of money. His source revealed: “This is the King’s worst nightmare – he’s horrified.”

When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the decision to step back from their senior royal duties they relocated to the US and began cultivating their personal brands independent of the monarchy.

The docuseries ‘Harry & Meghan’ on Netflix aired in December 2022 and delved into the couple’s personal lives and experiences with the Royal Family, drawing significant global attention.

Despite the series delivering on audience reach, it was also marred by controversy and criticism over its content.

In an exclusive conversation with The Mirror, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams shed light on the Sussexes’ Netflix deal: “If they lost this contract, with Archewell, their business and charitable foundation, having so few donors, they might well be in financial trouble.

“Since their exposes of royal life has made megabucks, but little else has made money, the Royal Family better hope that this unpredictable and ruthlessly ambitious couple stays with Netflix.”

With Spotify having ended their exclusive podcast deal earlier this year, it’s clear that the Sussexes’ transition from royalty to media moguls hasn’t been as seamless as they might have hoped.

With Archewell Audio, their goal was to create podcasts that centered on uplifting voice through “shared experiences, powerful narratives, and universal values.” During their time with Spotify, they released two podcasts: a holiday special and Archetypes, a 12-episode podcast hosted by Meghan, which discussed stereotypes against women and featured guests like Mariah Carey, Mindy Kaling, and Paris Hilton.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Spotify leadership was reportedly frustrated with the time it took to conceptualise and complete projects.

The Duke and Duchess “mutually agreed to part ways” with Spotify, the streaming service said last week in a shock announcement on June 16, 2023.

Meghan and Harry have reportedly finished filming two new and upcoming series for Netflix as part of their existing deal. Meghan’s as-yet-untitled show will “celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship”, and Harry’s will explore the sporting world of polo.