Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have developed a reputation for being difficult to work with, according to royal experts, with a pattern of strained relationships spanning from the British Royal Family to major entertainment giants like Spotify and Netflix.

The couple’s tendency to “rub others up the wrong way” has raised questions about their ability to build a sustainable media and lifestyle empire after stepping back as senior working royals in 2020.

Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive, royal expert Bronte Coy addressed the recurring theme: “Why does it always end like this?”

Coy responded that “people are basically saying that they’re really difficult to work with. And that’s the theme there, and it’s from a number of sources now, a number of different outlets. And that is the problem with them moving forward, trying to build an empire post-royal life.”

The comments come amid fresh reports of tensions with Netflix. Earlier this week, The Sun reported that the streaming giant is allegedly fed up with the Sussexes, who are said to be desperately scrambling to keep their Hollywood dreams alive. Bosses have reportedly lost faith in the former royals, citing poor communication and declining ratings as key issues.

Insiders at Netflix told Variety that the relationship between the couple’s Archewell Productions and the streaming platform has become strained. One source bluntly stated: “The mood in the building is ‘We’re done.’”

According to reports, Netflix chief Ted Sarandos has grown exhausted by the duo, particularly as the Sussexes have yet to deliver a single scripted project under their high-profile deal — despite initial promises of ambitious content.

This latest setback follows a similar pattern with Spotify. In 2023, the couple’s podcast deal with the platform ended after they “mutually parted ways.” Meghan’s Archetypes series ran for just 12 episodes before the partnership concluded.

Bronte Coy elaborated on the broader challenges: “They went to America with dreams of being TV producers and all they’ve really been able to do is try to monetise their lives through factual content.”

He noted that “factual content is having a torrid time” in the current media landscape, while “drama is what’s still alive.” However, the Sussexes have struggled to secure scripted dramas.

“They’ve not been able to land those dramas and it does feel like the reason is because they actually didn’t have any of their own really fantastic ideas for fiction shows,” Coy added.

Coy suggested that Meghan’s approach has often centered on monetizing her personal life — a strategy he described as potentially exhausting. “What Meghan’s always leaned towards is monetising her life which I think is probably an exhausting thing to do because you need to be able to go home and live your life and for that to be separate.”

This perspective gained traction months after Netflix decided not to continue Meghan’s lifestyle series With Love, Meghan beyond its initial run. Across eight 33-minute episodes (plus a second season), the mother-of-two shared recipes with friends, learned from celebrity chefs, made handmade gifts, and delivered light-hearted — though sometimes cringe-worthy — jokes.

The show faced harsh criticism from viewers, and reviews were largely scathing. A spokesperson for the Sussexes later stated that With Love, Meghan would continue in the form of seasonal specials.

The challenges extended to Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. Netflix, valued at around $350 billion, had partnered with the brand when it launched about a year earlier (in 2025), investing in products such as jam, rosé wine, and flower sprinkles. The streamer also provided backroom staff and development support.

However, the partnership has since ended mutually. Meghan, 44, who is based in Montecito, California, is reportedly relieved to “go it alone,” having felt that the brand was being “held back” by Netflix’s more cautious approach. Insiders claim the split was amicable and that she remains on good terms with Netflix executive Ted Sarandos.

When unveiling As Ever last year, Meghan highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “Then Netflix came on, not just as my partner in the show, but as my partner in my business, which was huge.”

Despite the optimism at launch, results appear mixed. Archewell reportedly sold out some inventory, but a website glitch reportedly revealed around $21.8 million worth of unsold products as of January, according to Newsweek. Netflix was also left with a surplus of tea and baking goods worth more than $10 million, Variety reported.

Harry and Meghan still maintain a ‘first-look’ deal with Netflix for future projects, even after their original $100 million contract expired last year. Five years ago, the couple secured the lucrative multi-year agreement shortly after quitting royal duties in 2020, with high hopes of producing documentaries, scripted series, and other content.

As the Sussexes continue their post-royal journey in America, questions persist about whether their challenges in building lasting partnerships stem from creative differences, communication issues, or the inherent difficulties of turning personal fame into sustainable entertainment success. Experts like Bronte Coy suggest the pattern of fallout — from family to major corporations — could hinder their ambitions moving forward.

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