The Duke and Duchess of Sussex yesterday revealed they were embarking on careers in film and TV. Their multi-year deal with streaming service Netflix will see the couple produce documentaries, films and children’s shows.
Now, PR expert Jonathan Shalit has said the two former senior royals could earn tens of millions of pounds.
He told the Irish Sun the Netflix deal was “staggering”, describing anything associated with the Sussexes’ name as “gold dust”.
He said: “”Never before has a Hollywood studio got hold of British royal family – this is historic.
“Meghan and Harry will hire shadow producers to do the work but their names alone attached to Netflix are gold dust.”
Mr Shalit added the Duke and Duchess’ pay could rise even more after bonuses to over £175 million – though he did not clarify the time frame.
Despite the potentially large sum, neither Harry nor Meghan are thought to have extensive production experience.
Harry and Meghan formally stepped down as senior royals in March this year, having expressed their desire to “earn their own income.”
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However, the representative said Meghan – who is a former star of US drama Suits – would not return to acting.
The Sussexes said in a statement to the New York Times: “Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope.
“As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us.”
They also praised Netflix’s “unprecedented reach,” which they said would help them share whatever content they produce.
Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said the company is “incredibly proud” to have been chosen by Harry and Meghan for their “creative home”.
The Netflix deal is not the only form of income the Duke and Duchess may have in the US, however.
In June, it was reported the couple had signed up to a celebrity speaking agency which could see them being hired out to give speeches at events.
According to news site Tatler, Harry and Meghan could charge up to $1 million – or roughly £750,000 – per speech at the Harry Walker agency.
Other celebrities the agency hires out for speeches include Michelle and Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey.
Harry and Meghan moved to the US state of California this year.
They are currently residing in the coastal region of Santa Barbara at a home reportedly worth around £11 million.
Prior to that, the Duke and Duchess had stayed in Los Angeles at a mansion owned by US actor Tyler Perry, passing time by carrying out charity work.
