What began as a heartwarming story of Prince Harry using his celebrity to raise money and awareness for his charity has turned into a tale of frustration and disappointment. The Duke of Sussex’s plans for a Netflix documentary about his annual polo tournament in Aspen have reportedly been derailed by none other than his wife, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.

A Promising Beginning

Prince Harry’s Cindabelle charity, which supports vulnerable children in Africa, has long been a cause close to his heart. The annual polo tournament in Aspen, the Cindabelle Polo Cup, was not only a prestigious event but also a significant fundraiser for his nonprofit organization. When Harry and Meghan signed a lucrative multi-year deal with Netflix in 2020, shortly after stepping back from their royal duties and relocating to California, the agreement was seen as a way for the couple to establish their own media brand and earn a living independent of the British royal family. The documentary covering Harry’s Cindabelle Polo Cup was to be their first major project under this deal.

The Disruption

However, according to multiple reports, Netflix has canceled plans to produce the documentary after Meghan insisted on traveling to Aspen with Harry for the filming. This demand allegedly disrupted production schedules and budgets, leading to significant frustration among Netflix executives. Sources within the streaming giant have indicated that Meghan’s last-minute requests to be involved in the polo documentary’s production were the final straw. The Duchess reportedly demanded to join Harry for the filming in Aspen, Colorado, where the tournament takes place each summer. This would have thrown a wrench into the production team’s carefully laid plans, potentially delaying filming or increasing costs.

Netflix Pulls the Plug

Ultimately, Netflix decided it was not worth the headache and pulled the plug on the project altogether. Without the streaming giant’s financial backing, Harry’s Cindabelle Polo Cup may now be in jeopardy, a blow not only to the prince’s personal passion project but also to the vulnerable children his charity supports in Lesotho and Botswana.

The reported cancellation is seen by some royal observers as further evidence that Netflix is growing less tolerant of Harry and Meghan’s demands, especially when it comes to programming focused on the royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have already faced criticism for the creative control they’ve tried to exert over their Netflix projects, with sources claiming the couple has final say on everything from scripts to casting. Their first Netflix docuseries, titled “Heart of Invictus,” has reportedly faced multiple production delays as Harry and Meghan insisted on having full oversight. The couple’s planned biographical documentary series, which was meant to provide an unprecedented look into their life, has also encountered setbacks amid reports of creative differences with Netflix.

Growing Frustration

Royal experts argue that the streaming service is becoming increasingly frustrated with having to cater to Harry and Meghan’s whims, especially when it comes to programming that could be seen as too deferential to the couple.

The cancellation of the polo documentary, they say, suggests Netflix may be growing wary of Harry’s waning star power and Meghan’s reputation for high-maintenance demands. “Netflix signed the Sussexes for their royal connections and access, but if Meghan is going to be a constant disruption to production, they’re going to get fed up very quickly,” said one industry insider. “Harry’s star has fallen quite a bit since he left the royal family. Without that royal mystique, Netflix may decide he’s just not worth the hassle.”

The Impact on Their Brand

Indeed, the reported documentary cancellation comes amid growing questions about the ongoing appeal of Harry and Meghan as a brand. The couple’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey was a massive hit for CBS in 2021, but their subsequent projects have failed to generate the same level of buzz or viewership. The Duchess’s animated children’s series “Pearl,” which was set to be the first project released under their Archewell Productions banner, was unceremoniously scrapped by Netflix earlier this year. Additionally, the couple’s podcast for Spotify, while touted as a major coup, has struggled to gain traction with listeners.

With their royal luster apparently dimming, some wonder whether Harry and Meghan will be able to maintain their lucrative media deals, not to mention fund their lavish California lifestyle. The loss of the Cindabelle Polo Cup documentary, in particular, is seen as a blow to Harry’s personal brand and charitable work. “This was meant to be Harry’s big chance to shine a light on his passion project and the important work of Cindabelle,” said royal correspondent Brittany Barger. “But if Meghan’s last-minute demands have scuttled the whole thing, it’s a real disappointment—not just for Harry, but for the children who will miss out on the fundraising.”

Looking Forward

Only time will tell if Harry and Meghan can find a way to satisfy Netflix’s expectations without constantly clashing with the streamer’s production needs. For now, it seems the Duke of Sussex’s royal-adjacent celebrity may be losing its sheen, and his wife’s alleged demands could be the reason why. As the couple navigates these choppy waters, the future of their media ventures—and their ability to continue funding their lifestyle—remains uncertain.