LONDON — Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, arrived in the United Kingdom this week after announcing their relocation with their children, Archie and Lilibet. The couple stepped back from full-time royal duties in 2020 and subsequently moved to California.
The announcement sparked speculation that Meghan might resume her acting career. Reports suggested she had discussed a potential role in season three of Guy Ritchie's Netflix series "The Gentlemen."
Senior television executives dismissed those reports. Speaking on condition of anonymity, they said casting Meghan would be risky despite the interest her involvement could generate.
One producer who has worked with Netflix said relocating a family for a single television role is implausible. "You don't uproot your family for one role in a show," the producer said. "There's no chance the reason they're coming back is TV roles like The Gentlemen."
The same producer suggested Netflix may have briefly considered a two-episode part for Meghan before reversing course, citing negative attention. "I doubt the producers or Netflix are enjoying this kind of attention," the producer said.
Some industry figures acknowledged Meghan could attract viewers. One executive said that if cast, "I don't think people would stop watching because she is in it. They have a fanbase already and there is the possibility that Meghan could add some audience."
Yet casting her would create practical obstacles. One executive questioned whether an actor could be believable in a role while known as a duchess. "You need actors who inhabit roles and are believable. How do you get over the fact she's a duchess?" the executive said.
Another executive said Meghan's involvement alone would not secure funding. "I don't think Meghan would get a project greenlit just with her attached because, despite her being quite famous, it's quite an unknown, and she is divisive."
Extensive security requirements on set also pose challenges. One television executive said, "Imagine the security we would need on set."
Meghan ended her acting career in 2018 when she married Prince Harry. She was known for her role as paralegal Rachel Zane in the series "Suits," appearing for seven seasons.
Since departing full-time royal duties, the Sussexes' popularity in the United Kingdom has declined. They secured multi-million-pound deals with Spotify and Netflix, including Meghan's lifestyle show "With Love, Meghan." The Spotify podcast concluded, and the Netflix show was not renewed for a third season. The couple maintains a downgraded first-look deal with Netflix. In January, they served as executive producers for the documentary "Cookie Queens."
