Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Duchess of talk
Meg’s first role back on screen is narrating Disney elephants show
THE Duchess of Sussex is returning to TV work as the narrator of a Disney wildlife documentary.
Former Suits actress Meghan, 38, recorded her voice-over for Elephant in a London studio last autumn.
And it is out on streaming service Disney+ on April 3 – three days after she and hubby Prince Harry, 35, officially cease to be senior royals.
Meghan was rumoured to have signed a multi-film deal with Disney to star in a superhero film or animation. But royal aides rubbished those claims last night.
The Sussexes have told of wanting to be financially independent after they quit The Firm – and promised the Queen not to trade on their titles.
But Meghan’s first postroyal role comes amid controversy after Harry was recorded last year bigging up her voice skills to Disney chief Bob Iger.
Announcing the documentary yesterday, Disney tweeted: “Elephant, an Original Movie narrated by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.”
The film follows African elephant Shani and son Jomo as their herd journeys across the Kalahari Desert.
A royal source said: “It’s a great documentary, one families forced to stay in due to the coronavirus lockdowns will look forward to watching. It’s also the
Duchess’s first job after leaving the Royal Family. With such a well-known studio as Disney, the sky’s the limit.”
Meghan was asked to take on the Elephant role by filmmakers Mark and Vanessa Berlowitz. As payment, Disney is making a donation to charity Elephants Without Borders – which the Sussexes have been involved with.
Meghan landed the part after footage at the Lion King premiere last July showed Harry point to her and tell Disney boss Mr Iger: “You do know she does voice-overs?” Mr Iger replies “Ah, I did not” and Harry says: “You seem surprised, she’s really interested.”
Mr Iger is later heard saying: “We’d love to try. That’s a great idea.”
The Sussexes, who are currently isolating in a £10million rented mansion on Vancouver Island during the Covid-19 crisis, revealed their plans to step back from royal life and live in North America last November.
Weeks after vowing not to trade on their titles, they were blasted for appearing at an event in February hosted by investment banking giant JP Morgan, at which Harry gave a speech about mental health.
It’s the Duchess’s first job after leaving the royals
ROYAL SOURCE ON ROLE IN DISNEY DOCUMENTARY