Following a whirlwind departure from royal patronage in 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan have been the face of global controversy. A Netflix documentary released in December 2022 tells the infamous story of the royal couple, from their perspective.
The Netflix sensation snagged an impressive 2.4 million viewership in the UK for the first episode on the initial day of release. The show includes home footage of the previous royals in their American abode, as well as footage from Kensington Palace when the couple secretly dated. Find out more about production and the critical responses.
Where does racism stem from in the UK and how is it still relevant today?
Racism is an important discussion within the documentary. Many people hoped the union between Harry and Meghan would be beneficial to racial discussions within the UK. The Royal Family is seen as a beacon of wisdom that the rest of the nation will follow. Yet, in 2017, conversations regarding Brexit and the European Union were already bringing toxic racial prejudices regarding immigration to the forefront. The pre-existing prejudice of the nation reacted negatively to Meghan’s arrival into the Royal Family. The history of racism in the royal family is outlined within the documentary, particularly in reference to the royal involvement in slavery as early as Queen Elizabeth I. Slavery voyages were funded by monarchs up to George III, when the slave trade was abolished in 1807.
“Gave people with already really horrible views of the world, a little bit more strength and confidence to say what they wanted to say, and do what they wanted to do.”
James Holt, Harry and Meghan: Limited Series (2022)
Why does Prince Harry feel so strongly?
Prince Harry reflects on his well-documented childhood, mentioning his late mother who was killed during a car crash in Paris in 1997. Footage in the documentary includes that of Diana being brutally hounded by paparazzi following her notorious divorce from now King Charles III. The Netflix documentary claims to be a personal account from the former Duke and Duchess of Sussex, shifting the narrative perspective from the media back into the control of the couple.
“So much of what Meghan is, and how she is, is so similar to my mum.”
Prince Harry, Harry and Meghan: Limited Series (2022)
The consistent harassment from the media is the focal point for the documentary. Various shots are collected together in a kaleidoscope of chaos. This shows what royal family members have to endure as part of their duty. The show adopts a critical tone when addressing the media. Yet, whilst also appealing to the very same media to correct the corrupt narrative through a mainstream service such as Netflix.
“When I met M, I was terrified of her being driven away by the media.”
Prince Harry, Meghan and Harry: Limited Series (2022)
How has the media evolved?
The hunt vs prey nature of media is an inescapable charade played by anyone seeking fame or success in our modern society. Yet, Harry and Meghan appear the opposite of hungry fame seekers in the Netflix documentary, appealing to the idea of being an ordinary couple thrust into the limelight. Perhaps Harry and Meghan are threaded into the imperial tapestry of British history, but should that tie them to ancient royal practices in an ever-changing modern world?
