Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, has moved to quell growing speculation of a fractured relationship between the streaming giant and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Speaking at the high-profile “Next on Netflix” event on March 18, 2026, Bajaria dismissed reports of a “falling out” as tabloid fodder, asserting that the creative partnership remains active with multiple projects currently in development.
The executive’s comments follow a March 17 report by Variety alleging that Netflix leadership had been “blindsided” by the couple’s external media moves, including their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and the Duke’s 2023 memoir, Spare.
“Don’t believe whatever you read,” Bajaria told attendees. “Maybe we should all do a little fact-checking.”
A Shifting Multi-Year Strategy
While Bajaria maintained an authoritative front, the business landscape of the partnership has undeniably evolved. Reliable industry sources confirm the deal was adjusted in August 2025 from its original $100 million exclusive agreement to a first-look arrangement. This shift allows the couple greater flexibility while giving Netflix the right of first refusal on new content.
Bajaria emphasized that the natural lifecycle of Hollywood contracts should not be mistaken for personal or professional animosity.
“Deals come and go all the time,” she noted. “There are deals that we don’t renew… those don’t get as much press for obvious reasons. I guess there’s no juicy story there.”
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Independence for ‘As Ever’
The rumors of a split were intensified by the March 6 announcement that Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, would end its formal partnership with Netflix. The brand, which launched in 2025 alongside the series With Love, Meghan, will now operate independently.
| Project Status | Details |
| Harry & Meghan | Completed (2022 Docuseries) |
| With Love, Meghan | Two seasons completed; No current plans for Season 3 |
| Meet Me at the Lake | In Development (Film adaptation of Carley Fortune novel) |
| Masaka Kids | In Development (Documentary short) |
| As Ever (Brand) | Transitioned to independent operation as of March 2026 |
A Netflix spokesperson clarified the brand transition, stating it was “always intended” for the Duchess to grow the venture independently after the initial launch phase.
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Fact-Checking the “Blindsided” Narrative
Archewell representatives have issued a “categorically false” rebuttal to claims that Netflix was unaware of the couple’s 2021 Winfrey interview. According to a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess, legal counsel for both Netflix and Archewell oversaw the “evolution of the deal” during that period, a standard procedure for high-level Hollywood talent.
Despite the lack of new Sussex-led content at the “Next on Netflix” presentation—which instead highlighted projects like Ben Affleck’s Animals—Bajaria’s defense suggests the streamer is betting on the long-term value of the Archewell pipeline.
