Netflix has released the trailer for Harry and Meghan Volume 1 – a six-part documentary – set to stream from Thursday 8 December (later today!).
Everybody has had their hot takes on the trailer, on what might be in the documentary and what this means for the monarchy.
The Metro asked what Harry and Meghan hope to “achieve”? and quoted Paul from Essex who called it a “bombshell trailer” and said Harry was being “disrespectful to his family”.
Sky News said, “Harry and Meghan may find a more sympathetic ear in the US than they have done in the UK” because the US audience has been widely celebrating the couple for “shining a light on the shortcomings of the royal family”.
The Guardian condemned criticism of the trailer by the UK media, saying “newspapers are turning a documentary about how the media treated the couple into a story about how the couple are treating the media.”
The Guardian argues criticism of the trailer is “misleading” and that it is being taken out of context by newspapers such as the Sun.
The Sun’s headline was “Sussex, lies and a videotape” – a play on a movie title: Sex, Lies and Videotape. But that pun is overdone: the movie came out in 1989 – when Meghan was about 8 years old.
Footage used in the documentary is also under scrutiny. Piers Morgan and Katie Price – both of whom featured in the trailer – are claiming their contributions were done without their approval.
Katie Price asked on her Instagram: “What the hell @netflix?!? This enrages me that you are using fake images to stoke feelings! Shame on you”. A Sky News investigation showed a clip used in the trailer is of paparazzi filming Katie Price leaving a courtroom in 2021 – nothing to do with the Sussexes.
Piers Morgan is also complaining that he is being “exploited” by Harry and Meghan when – in the trailer – he is heard saying Meghan is “becoming a rock star”. Piers wrote on Twitter: “Princess Pinocchio and Prince Hypocrite use my voice to flog their ghastly new series.”
Feeding frenzy!
It seems everyone is scrambling to be in the media circus and take their share from the “privileged” royal couple. And, sure, Katie and Piers may moan about their bit-parts in the trailer. But I bet they secretly love all that attention!