Harry and Meghan's new Netflix deal dubbed a 'polite break-up' to avoid embarrassment

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new Netflix deal was a "demotion dressed as a promotion", according to a PR expert, who described it as a "polite breakup" between the two sides so the Sussex couple avoid embarrassment. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's media company, Archewell Productions, triumphantly announced that they are "extending their partnership" with Netflix as the couple's previous lucrative contract, reported to be worth around £74 million, is nearing its end next month.

But instead of renewing their current contract, the Sussexes now have a new "multi-year first look" deal, which is different to the one they previously had. Netflix will now be able to see the Sussex couple's ideas first before deciding whether to pursue any of them.

Now, a PR expert claimed that the new deal was a "clever way" for the streaming giant to avoid headlines about dropping the Sussex couple.

Harry and Meghan previously had signed a lucrative deal with Spotify, which axed them after only producing 12 episodes for a podcast series, Archetypes.

Renae Smith, founder of PR agency The Atticism, told the Express: "This 'partnership extension' is basically a demotion dressed as a promotion.

"My bet is it's a clever way for Netflix to avoid headlines about dropping them, and for the Sussexes to say they still have a deal. But it feels more like a polite break-up. Netflix may also be trying to manage a soft exit."

The PR specialist claimed that the Sussex couple do not have the "easiest break up style," which could explain the streamer's move in a bid to avoid drama.

She said: "They're more the 'throw a grenade back as you leave the building' type and I am sure Netflix considered the blowout if Meghan did decide to complain about being 'dumped' etc.

"Whether they'll actually do anything significant together after this is questionable."