Prince Harry 'plans to return to Africa solo for Netflix documentary'

Harry’s next big project? Duke of Sussex ‘is planning to return to Africa without Meghan Markle to film a Netflix documentary’, US sources say

• READ MORE: Harry and Meghan’s new Netflix Great Expectations project ‘is nothing new’: Charles Dickens expert says Sussexes’ attempt to make a feminist TV hit will end up being a ‘voyeuristic misery’

Prince Harry is forming plans to return to Africa without Meghan Markle for a new Netflix documentary, according to Page Six.

Since quitting their royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been focusing on building a career in streaming and podcasting. 

But Harry and Meghan received a blow earlier this month when Spotify said it was terminating the Duchess’ podcast, Archetypes. Meanwhile, Netflix is reportedly planning to can their deal with the Sussexes when it expires in 2025 – after rejecting several of their ideas for shows.

However, it appears Harry’s proposal for a documentary on Africa might have been listened to. A Netflix insider confirmed to Page Six that it was one of several suggestions that the father-of-two has been talking about, while another source said: ‘Obviously, Harry has a lot of roots in Africa and he feels at home there.’ 

The publication reported that it is unclear exactly what the programme will cover, and that the ongoing Hollywood writers’ strike has meant the Duke of Sussex, 38, has not been able to start his ideas yet.

Prince Harry is forming plans to return to Africa without Meghan Markle (pictured in Cape Town in 2019) for a new Netflix documentary, according to Page Six

The Duke and Duchess’ only documentary so far for the streaming service was Meghan & Harry, which was released last year.

Prior to the docuseries, Harry featured solo in an Apple TV series about mental health, titled The Me You Can’t See. 

Prince Harry has visited Botswana, country in Southern Africa, on multiple occasions, sometimes spending months at a time there.

As well as helping conserve wildlife populations, he also frequently met with local communities and did charity work. 

It holds such a place in his heart that he took Meghan Markle to the country for a week-long holiday as their third date.

Meghan told interviewers for Harry & Meghan: ‘So I had one week off [work] and it was the same week, so he said do you want to come to Botswana? I said let me think about it and then I did.’

Harry admitted he was ‘astonished that she said yes’ as he had only met Meghan twice at the point.

He said: ‘This woman that I have only met twice, she’s coming to Botswana and we are going to be living in a tent for 10 days.’

Harry has visited Botswana multiple times and even took his wife Meghan on a holiday there for their third date

Meghan told interviewers for Harry & Meghan: ‘So I had one week off [work] and it was the same week, so he said do you want to come to Botswana? I said let me think about it and then I did.’ Pictured centre, Harry in Botswana

Meghan admitted: ‘I am getting on a plane, and we are living in the middle of a bush, what, like what if we don’t like each other and then we are stuck in the middle of a bush in a tent.’ The couple have also visited the country since they became engaged.

They also visited South Africa on a royal tour in 2019. During the tour, the couple met with community members in townships around Cape Town while travelling with Prince Archie, and were pictured smiling and laughing as they danced with locals. 

A source familiar with Harry and Meghan’s $100million Netflix deal reportedly said: ‘Things are great’. A Netflix spokesperson told the publication: ‘We value our partnership with Archewell Productions.’

MailOnline has contacted representatives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment. 

Earlier this week, the Duchess of Sussex was dismissed as a talentless broadcaster by one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures.

Jeremy Zimmer, who has guided the film careers of stars such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Damian Lewis, gave his withering verdict on the abilities of the American former actress after streaming giant Spotify axed its £18million deal with her and Prince Harry after just one podcast series.

Despite sending a personal letter herself, Meghan Markle’s (pictured) request for Taylor Swift to join her on her Archetypes podcast was declined

Zimmer, the chief executive of United Talent Agency, said he was not surprised that Spotify had ditched the couple.

‘Turns out Meghan Markle was not a great audio talent, or necessarily any kind of talent,’ he said.

Speaking to the news website Semafor at the Cannes Lions advertising festival in France, Zimmer added. ‘And, you know, just because you’re famous, doesn’t make you great at something.’

Spotify is said to have pulled the plug on its deal because it ‘expected more content’ from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their Archewell Audio team, according to Variety magazine.

Archewell delivered just one series – 12 episodes of Meghan’s Archetypes show last year on the social stereotypes around women – and a 30-minute festive special in 2020 featuring a handful of celebrity friends and their son, Archie.

Archetypes was an initial ratings success when it was released last summer and talks for a second series were said to be under way before they reportedly stalled. Spotify was said to have paid a staggering £18million to sign the Sussexes up for a ‘multi-year partnership’.

Jeremy Zimmer, the chief executive of United Talent Agency, said he was not surprised that Spotify had ditched the Sussexes 

The Sussexes highlighted a joint statement from themselves and Spotify saying they had ‘mutually agreed to part ways’.

It was also claimed this week that pop superstar Taylor Swift rejected the chance to appear on Meghan’s podcast, even though the duchess sent her a personal invitation.

After Meghan sent her a handwritten note, Ms Swift declined through her representative, according to the Wall Street Journal.

And while the couple’s £80million Netflix deal has still seen only a documentary about themselves and series Live To Lead materialise, it appears they are about to delve into the world of Charles Dickens.

The Sussexes are said to be working on a prequel to his 1861 novel Great Expectations, which focuses on a character based on Miss Havisham, taking place before the events of the novel. Bad Manners will see the character cast as a ‘strong woman living in a patriarchal society’. The show is in development but has yet to get the green light from Netflix, it has been claimed.

Harry’s documentary about the Invictus Games is thought to be nearing completion.

Meghan and Harry attending the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala at New York Hilton on December 6, 2022

According to the Wall Street Journal, it is ‘unlikely’ Netflix will renew the couple’s deal when it ends in 2025. It reports that problems have arisen due to the couple’s inexperience as television producers and difficulty in finding material to fit in with their brand.

A spokesman for the talent agency WME that recently signed Meghan said: ‘The team behind Archetypes remain proud of the podcast they created at Spotify. Meghan is continuing to develop more content for the Archetypes audience on another platform.’

Zimmer is the grandson of legendary Hollywood studio chief Dory Schary. In 1991 he helped found United Talent Agency through a merger of Bauer/Benedek and Leading Artists Agency.

He helped build UTA from a boutique literary agency into one of the three major talent agencies and has been CEO since 2012. The talent agency represents stars such as Timothée Chalamet, Chris Pratt, Kevin Hart and Lizzo. 

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