The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are learning the hard way that even the best-laid plans can come unstuck.
Watch Below: Prince Harry WellChild video call
The couple, who are widely understood to have plotted their exodus from the royal family in favour of the glittering lights of Hollywood, have suffered “setback after setback” in recent weeks.
According to reports, several of their projects are in danger of becoming unstuck, including a multimillion-dollar Netflix docuseries and Harry’s long-awaited memoir.
It’s been alleged that Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, are desperate to reshoot their footage and rewrite chapters of his book after the Queen’s death – but Netflix and Penguin Random House are said to be pushing back.
“These big companies they’ve teamed up with are sick of waiting and are ready to cash in on their investments into the Sussexes,” says a well-placed source. “It’s been a rough week of negotiations and the Sussexes don’t have the upper hand they thought they did.
“There are rumours that Netflix would rather not screen their show at all if it’s watered down, and the same could go for Harry’s book. The entire debacle has Harry, in particular, feeling trapped by his commitments with Meghan and unwanted by his family.”
Adding to Harry’s nightmare, his father, King Charles has settled on a date for his coronation – and the Sussexes aren’t impressed.
The auspicious occasion will be held at London’s Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, which just so happens to be Harry and Meghan’s son Archie’s fourth birthday.
“Harry and Meghan haven’t taken this well,” says a source. “He could have chosen literally any other day, but for some reason he decided on his grandson’s birthday.”
A palace insider reveals, “Charles made the choice based on important public engagements and appearances. He couldn’t factor in people’s birthdays as well.”
Whether it will be a diary conundrum for the California-based couple is another question.
“Charles isn’t even sure whether he’ll invite them anyway,” says the Buckingham Palace source.
“He is under massive pressure to trim the guest list, so it might be core working royals only.”
For more, pick up the latest issue of New Idea. Out now!
