gg2

Harry and Meghan California dreams fade

Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.

The gist

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are returning to Britain after six years in California. Their Hollywood ambitions and media deals have faded, signaling a reset.

Background

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to Montecito, California, aiming to build a media empire. They signed lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, but by 2025 the Netflix deal was not renewed and Spotify also fell short. Now they are reportedly heading back to the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

How it unfolded

  1. 2020Harry and Meghan quit royal duties and move to Montecito, California, with plans for a Hollywood career.
  2. 2021They release a blockbuster interview with Oprah Winfrey, where Meghan describes her freedom as 'liberating'.
  3. 2025Netflix does not renew their deal; a similar Spotify agreement also fails to meet expectations.
  4. Aug 20, 2026Reports emerge that the couple is returning to Britain; their California neighbors react with a shrug.
  5. Aug 21, 2026Insiders say their Hollywood ambitions never became the media empire envisioned, with cancelled projects and fading partnerships.
  6. Aug 22, 2026The New York Times publishes an article detailing how their California dreams and riches have faded.

Who’s saying what

Observers
Hollywood observers point to the enduring theme of show business in Southern California, where star power can quickly fade.
Insiders
Insiders claim their Hollywood ambitions never became the media empire once envisioned, with cancelled projects and diminished momentum.
Neighbors
Montecito neighbors shrug at the departure, noting 'They wave. They drive. They close the gates.'
Analysts
Some analysts suggest that even as private citizens, the couple is unlikely to fade into the background.

Still unverified

The specific reasons for the Netflix deal not being renewed and the exact financial losses are not fully disclosed in the material.

Sources

See today’s stories in the app gg2 — free on the App Store