Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, are taking on a new empire: Hollywood producers.
The two announced in January that they were stepping back from “senior” duties associated with the royal British family and would split their time between North America and the United Kingdom.
“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter,” the couple said in a shared statement.
They also said they would seek financial independence while continuing to support Queen Elizabeth II and the Commonwealth.
One venture the pair is undertaking comes in the form of an unnamed production company. The royal couple, who have settled near Santa Barbara, California, also signed a multiyear deal with Netflix, The New York Times reported.
“Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope,” the Duke and Duchess said in a statement. “As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us.”
They said they hope to create and share “impactful content that unlocks action.”
So far, a nature docuseries and “an animated series that celebrates inspiring women,” are in the works, according to Harper’s Bazaar.
Markle will not star as an actress in any of the projects, Harper’s Bazaar reported.
“We’re incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as their creative home and are excited about telling stories with them that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere,” Netflix’s co-chief executive and chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, said in a statement.
It’s unclear how much the deal was worth, but the couple had previously discussed $100 million partnerships with Apple, Disney and NBC Universal, the Times reported.
Earlier this year, fans speculated Markle narrated “Elephant,” a wildlife documentary on Disney+. Although the royal couple hadn’t commented on it publicly, representatives later confirmed her voice had been used.
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are among the other big names that have recently struck deals with Netflix.
Read more at The New York Times.