In a surprising turn of events, Netflix's decision to release a teaser for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's documentary series has raised eyebrows among the streaming service's own climate advisors.
The teaser was unveiled on the eve of Prince William's prestigious Earthshot Prize presentation, prompting criticism from experts within Netflix's scientific advisory board.
The Earthshot Prize, an initiative that awards £1 million to projects focused on environmental conservation, holds immense significance in the realm of sustainability efforts.
Therefore, the timing of the documentary teaser's release, just before the Earthshot Prize ceremonies, has been viewed by some as a deliberate and provocative move.
Hannah Jones, the CEO of Earthshot Prize, likened the ceremony to a pivotal moment akin to the World Cup, emphasizing its importance on the global stage.
While speculation abounds, it is believed that the decision regarding the timing of the teaser release was made by Netflix itself, rather than by Prince Harry and Meghan.
Reports from the Sunday Times revealed that members of Netflix's scientific advisory board expressed disappointment and lodged complaints with the company over the teaser.
Notably, Christiana Figueres, a prominent figure in climate advocacy and a member of both Earthshot's board and Netflix's advisory board, voiced her concerns about the situation.
The tensions surrounding the release of the teaser were further exacerbated by the context of Prince Harry and Meghan's recent history.
Having stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California, the couple's presence in the spotlight has been a subject of ongoing scrutiny and debate.
The teaser itself featured glimpses of Harry and Meghan, including poignant images and brief interview snippets.
A particularly striking moment showed Meghan in tears while holding a phone, accompanied by Harry's voiceover alluding to unseen struggles behind closed doors.
As the trailer concluded, viewers were left with a sense of anticipation for the upcoming series, which promises an in-depth exploration of the couple's journey and challenges.
Marketed as a comprehensive look at one of the most talked-about couples in modern history, the series is set to delve into the early days of Harry and Meghan's relationship and the circumstances that led them to redefine their roles within the royal family.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Liz Garbus, known for her Emmy-winning work on documentaries such as “What Happened, Miss Simone,” the series is poised to offer a unique perspective on the dynamics of love, duty, and public perception.
Through interviews with friends, family members, and historians, the narrative aims to provide a multifaceted view of the couple's experiences and decisions.
Despite the controversies surrounding its release, the documentary series is slated to premiere on Thursday, December 8, marking a significant moment in the unfolding saga of Harry and Meghan's post-royal life.
As the world awaits the unveiling of their story, the couple's journey continues to captivate audiences and spark discussions about love, duty, and the complexities of royal life.