Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s team had a series of requests for their surprise visit to a New York school, where the Duchess read her book The Bench to students

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle went to extraordinary lengths to ensure they had the perfect “aesthetic” while filming at a low-income New York school.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had an extensive list of specific demands to guarantee a flawless visit as they filmed for their Netflix documentary. Suggestions from the couple’s team included bringing cushions and a new carpet to the school to match Meghan’s tastes, according to reports.

This event took place in September 2021 at a public school located in a financially disadvantaged area of New York City, a year and a half after Meghan and Harry stepped down from the Royal Family in 2020.

Archewell staff were found to have played a crucial role in choosing the school for the visit and meticulously edited press statement drafts to make the event seem “more substantial”, according to emails obtained by The Daily Mail through an FOI request.

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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were filming for their Netflix show ( Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Records also showed that Archwell staff insisted on consent forms being filled out, stipulating that no negative comments would be made publicly about the engagement. The consent conditions even barred teachers and students from discussing the project in any way.

On their second day in New York City, Meghan and Harry paid a visit to PS 123 Mahalia Jackson school in Harlem – a school where 95% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals due to their low-income backgrounds. It was here that Meghan took the opportunity to read her book The Bench to the eager students, with Harry joining them on the floor.

The couple’s trip to New York was aimed at showcasing them as global leaders, which included a stopover at the United Nations to discuss vaccine equity. Their packed itinerary also included a speaking slot at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park.

Reports suggests that planning for the trip started six months prior in April 2021, spearheaded by former New York City Department of Education employee Toya Holness. A camera crew was on hand to document Harry and Meghan’s public appearances for their six-part Netflix documentary.

The series, aptly titled ‘Harry and Meghan’, which delves into the couple’s life post-royal duties, stirred up more controversy in their ongoing tussle with the Royal Family when it aired in December 2022.