Netflix has decided to postpone the release of a docuseries that delves into the relationship between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the royal family.
Following backlash from the royal family over a contentious plotline in season 5 of The Crown, the streaming platform has delayed the premiere of the documentary series.
The docuseries, which was initially set to debut in December after the release of The Crown season 5 on November 9, has been put on hold, according to Deadline.
The decision comes in the wake of criticism from former British Prime Minister John Major regarding a specific episode in season 5 titled “Queen Victoria Syndrome.”
In the episode, a storyline suggests that Prince Charles, now King Charles III, expressed frustration to Major in 1991 about the delay in ascending to the throne.
The narrative is based on a survey published in the UK Sunday Times proposing that Queen Elizabeth should step down in favor of Prince Charles due to the monarchy being perceived as outdated.
Portrayed by Dominic West, Prince Charles in The Crown supports the idea of the monarchy retiring, citing the need for a more contemporary ruler.
This depiction has raised concerns among royal insiders who view season 5 as exploitative, particularly in its focus on Charles' marriage to Princess Diana.
Major has condemned the episode as “malicious drivel,” emphasizing that real lives are at the heart of the story.
The final two seasons of The Crown will cover the period from 1990 to 2003, with season 6 addressing Princess Diana's tragic death, although it will not be depicted on screen.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's upcoming docuseries, produced in collaboration with Netflix and Archewell Productions, has also faced delays.
The controversy surrounding The Crown season 5 is said to have influenced the decision to push back the release date of the documentary.
According to sources cited by Deadline, Netflix yielded to pressure and opted to postpone the documentary series.
While Netflix has denied any official announcement regarding a documentary featuring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, reports suggest that the project was filmed at Harry and Meghan's residence in Montecito, with the couple serving as executive producers through their production company.
The recent passing of Queen Elizabeth on September 8 may have further complicated the timing of the docuseries' release.
In a separate development, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose not to publicly acknowledge King Charles III's 74th birthday, which he celebrated on Monday.
Despite other senior royals extending birthday wishes to the king, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex refrained from making a public statement.
The couple, who have been known to maintain a degree of distance from the royal family, did not update their Archewell website with a birthday message for the monarch.
As the royal family navigates through various controversies and personal dynamics, the world watches closely to see how these relationships and narratives unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving saga.
