Keeping up with the, er, Sussexes
Couple’s Kardashian-style reality show for Netflix
THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly letting the cameras into their California mansion for a Kardashianstyle reality show for Netflix.
A source described the ‘at-home docuseries’ project as the streaming giant’s ‘pound of flesh’.
The couple signed a lucrative deal in late 2020 estimated to be worth £80million ($100million) but have yet to release any content on the platform. Film crews have reportedly been allowed inside Harry and Meghan’s £11million home in Montecito but it is unclear whether their children Archie, three, and 11month-old Lilibet will feature.
Hollywood sources told celebrity website Page Six they believe the series could also be similar to The Osbournes, an MTV reality show following the antics of rocker Ozzy Osbourne and his family.
The Kardashians later filmed their own series – Keeping up with the Kardashians – which has seen the family valued at £1.1billion. A source said: ‘I think it’s fair to say that Netflix is getting its pound of flesh.’
The reports will spark fears that the Sussexes could share more revelations about the Royal Family, following on from their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey last year.
The Queen’s aides have reportedly blocked their camera crews from her palaces.
They are due to join the monarch next month for her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
A Netflix crew has been following the Sussexes since last year, including a trip to New York and The Hague, in the Netherlands, for the Invictus Games last month. Cameramen could be seen scurrying around after Harry and Meghan during their most recent visit to the UK, when they saw the Queen at Windsor Castle.
On when the docuseries could air, a source told Page Six: ‘The timing is still being discussed – things are up in the air.’
Royal expert Angela Levin, who wrote a 2018 book called Harry: Conversations With The Prince, said: ‘Harry wanted privacy and to be ordinary. He also hated cameras. But he’s ended up doing an at-home docuseries for Netflix. Does he need to be searched for hidden cameras on jubilee days? Will he steal the event from the Queen?’
Netflix’s share price has tumbled since the lifting of coronavirus restrictions and Meghan’s animated series Pearl was scrapped by the streaming giant earlier this month as part of a round of cuts. She is said to be looking for another broadcaster to buy it up.
Netflix was contacted for comment last night.