It seems Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not really got a way of their royal past as the palace will be checking on the couple's recent Netflix deal.
The couple agreed on getting royal authorities' approval on all of their commercial ventures when they ditched their royal duties in March.
Tech Times earlier reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had a hefty $150 million deal with Netflix as they vowed to provide 'hope and inspiration' content through their own production company. New York Times reported that the production company will produce scripted shows, feature films, children's programs, and documentaries. Netflix will have exclusive rights over these productions.
WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 19: Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex wave as they leave Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by the Prince of Wales on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England.
The deal allegedly includes similar agreements between the streaming company and the Obamas, who also air their own programming over Netflix.
Meanwhile, the palace will be following up on the royal couple's $3.1 million debt, which they used to renovate their U.K. abode, the Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. They promised to repay the taxpayer's money, but it is still yet to happen.
According to reports, the couple will be paying about £18,000 or $24,000 per month to ensure the couple could keep the Frogmore Cottage as "their official British base." In a "rental-plus" arrangement, the couple would pay more than the commercial rate, which would enable them the renovation costs over time.
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: A general view of Frogmore Cottage at Frogmore Cottage on April 10, 2019 in Windsor, England. The cottage is situated on the Frogmore Estate, itself part of Home Park, Windsor, in Berkshire. It is the new home of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
However, at $24,000 per month, it would take them about 11 years to fully pay their renovation debt. It still does not include the property's maintenance cost as well as additional interest if there is any.
In July, Harry and Meghan bought a $14.7 million house in Montecito where various stars like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres also live.
Royal approval: All ventures are subject to discussion
A source told Mirror that the Royal Family and senior courtiers will be scrutinizing the project, which is part of the conditions the couple agreed to when they decided to drop their royal duties. "They agreed any commercial deals would be subject to discussion," the source added.
Although Harry and Meghan got the authorization to get into commercial ventures in January, the Queen will be reviewing these projects after a year. Also, the historic agreement stated that the couple needs to refund the renovation cost, drop their HRH titles, and stop receiving public funds. All these, so they could quit their royal duties and expand their Sussex Royal brand.
For the recent Netflix deal, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex vowed to make "impactful content that unlocks action," including documentaries on nature, mental health as well as animated series about women and community service shows.
PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 19: In this photo illustration the Netflix logo is seen on September 19, 2014 in Paris, France. Netflix September 15 launched service in France, the first of six European countries planned in the coming months.
The streaming company immediately aired its interest working with the royal couple soon after they decided to drop their royal duties. "Who wouldn't be interested?" Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos said during the Screen Actors Guild Awards in January.
The couple's production will be an interesting addition to the company's wide range of content that caters to over 190 million Netflix subscribers.
Meanwhile, public relations expert Mark Borowski said that getting Harry and Meghan is a "huge publicity for Netflix."
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Written by CJ Robles
