A possible documentary about Princess Diana is already stirring controversy, with royal commentator Tom Sykes accusing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of using family tensions to build interest in a lucrative film.
But there is a crucial distinction behind the explosive claim: Harry is reportedly exploring a Diana project. A completed deal, Netflix purchase and multimillion-dollar payday have not been confirmed. PEOPLE reported that a documentary was among several ideas under consideration, with nothing finalized.
Speaking on the Sept. 24 episode of The Royalist, Sykes alleged that the Sussexes’ return to Britain was connected to gathering material for a film ahead of the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death in August 2027.
“They are trying to gather content for a Diana film,” he said, according to RadarOnline’s account of the discussion.
Sykes went further, alleging that controversy surrounding the couple could increase the project’s commercial appeal. He predicted they hoped to make “millions and millions of dollars” and suggested Netflix would ultimately buy it.
Readers can watch the podcast discussion on YouTube.
Those are Sykes’ claims about the couple’s motives and potential earnings. They are not an announcement from Harry, Meghan or Netflix.
Separate reporting offers a less definitive picture. PEOPLE said Harry had been contacting people close to his mother while considering ways to commemorate her. The Times also reported discussions about a documentary, while noting that the Sussexes had retained their Montecito home despite returning to Britain.
The Netflix connection is real, but its timing matters.
The company announced a multiyear first-look agreement with Archewell Productions on Aug. 11, 2025 — more than a year before the latest podcast allegations.
That announcement confirmed an ongoing relationship covering film and television projects. It did not announce a Diana documentary or disclose a payment for one. A first-look arrangement also does not mean every proposed project automatically becomes a Netflix production.
Meanwhile, Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, has brought renewed attention to her life with Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. The memoir was published Sept. 22, according to Penguin Random House, and presents his account of their relationship and her legacy.
The book has generated its own royal dispute. Buckingham Palace challenged Spencer’s account of a remark he attributed to Charles after Diana’s death, while Spencer stood by his recollection. Neither that disagreement nor the book’s release establishes coordination with a Sussex film.
Meghan’s use of a swan emoji in As Ever posts has also been interpreted as a reference to Spencer’s memoir. Town & Country noted the posts, but an emoji alone does not establish an endorsement or a coordinated publicity strategy.
A Diana documentary involving Harry would not be unprecedented. He and Prince William both participated in Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy in 2017, marking 20 years since her death.
The approaching anniversary gives any new project an obvious occasion. What remains unconfirmed is whether Harry will make the film, who would distribute it and what anyone would be paid. For now, the accusation of a royal payday is running well ahead of an announced production.
Leave a Reply