Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s once-lucrative partnership with Netflix has taken an unexpected turn, with insiders confirming that their latest contract renewal comes with a noticeably smaller payout. The deal, struck in late July 2025, has raised eyebrows across Hollywood and royal circles, not only for its reduced value but for whispers of a make-or-break holiday project that could put Meghan — or Harry — in front of the camera alone.
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The couple’s original multi-million-dollar deal, signed back in 2020, was hailed as a groundbreaking move that would give them creative freedom and a powerful media platform. But after a string of mixed-reception projects and falling viewership numbers, Netflix has reportedly “streamlined” the arrangement, offering fewer projects for significantly less money. Industry chatter suggests the streamer is banking on quality over quantity, with a sharp focus on content that can reignite global interest.
Enter the so-called “Christmas Special” — a rumored festive program said to be in early development, set to air in December 2025. Described as “heartwarming” but still “commercially strategic,” the special could showcase holiday traditions, celebrity guest appearances, and possibly even rare family moments. But speculation is mounting over whether both Sussexes will appear together, after recent public absences and conflicting schedules have fueled gossip about separate professional commitments.
Adding fuel to the fire, Harry has been increasingly visible on solo projects this year, from charity work in the UK to veteran-focused events in the US, while Meghan has been pushing her lifestyle brand and quietly filming her own content. The trailer for her latest Netflix venture, released just last week, notably lacked any fresh footage of Harry, prompting questions about how united the couple’s media presence truly is.
Royal watchers in Britain have been quick to draw parallels with past palace holiday traditions, noting that the Windsors’ annual Christmas broadcast remains one of the monarchy’s most-watched events of the year. “If Harry and Meghan think they can rival that, they’ll need to bring something extraordinary,” one commentator observed, hinting that a “cozy California Christmas” might not capture the same global attention.
Social media has already lit up with debates over whether the Christmas Special could be a soft relaunch of their public image, a test run for bigger joint projects in 2026, or a carefully staged platform for Meghan to shine without her husband. The hashtag #SussexChristmas has trended on both sides of the Atlantic, with fans split between excitement and skepticism.
For Netflix, the stakes are high — the streaming giant is betting that a festive special tied to one of the world’s most famous couples can still pull in the numbers despite the slimmer contract. For Harry and Meghan, however, the real gamble may be whether they can prove that less money and fewer projects doesn’t mean less influence. One thing’s for sure: this holiday season, the Sussexes will be making headlines whether together… or apart.