Almost five years after she quit royal life, Meghan Markle is set to be at the centre of a new documentary - and she could be "embarrassed" by some of its contents, according to the filmmaker.
On 3 December, the German network ZDF will air Prince Harry — The Lost Prince, which promises to take a closer look at the couple's life in Montecito and their search for relevance following their exit from royal life in January 2020.
It has been made by award-winning filmmaker Ulrike Grunewald, who travelled to California with a team to gather insights from the neighbourhood where Harry and Meghan live with their two children.
The film explores the divide in public opinion about Harry and Meghan with younger audiences viewing Harry as a modernising force while more traditional or conservative circles see him as a threat to the monarchy.
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Pool/Getty Images)In an interview with the Express, Ulrike suggested it might make for some uncomfortable viewing for the couple. And she told the publication that working on the documentary helped her understand why the royals were so concerned when Meghan and Harry left their royal roles.
"Harry - The Lost Prince will look into one of the most heartbreaking periods of the Royal Family since the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936," Ulrike said. "The most damaging allegations can only come from within. Revelations that shock the Royal Family only come out of Prince Harry's or Meghan Markle's mouths. I begin to understand the late Queen's verdict that you can't be 'half in and half out.'"
She said the documentary will also scrutinise Meghan's evolving reputation - something that might not sit well with the Duchess. "She [Meghan] might be embarrassed about the amount of criticism she now gets even in communities that used to back her after the decision to leave the Royal Family as a working member."
Grunewald noted that while many individuals involved with Prince Harry's Invictus Games have questioned Meghan's role and attitude, others remain hopeful about the couple’s potential.
"At the moment it is hard to see any big achievement of their Archewell Foundation, which claims to work for the improvement of communities. But there are still voices who see the high potential of the couple not only for the British monarchy but also for a liberal society."
In promotional material for the prime-time special, ZDF previously stated: "The Royal Family has to deal with difficult developments and regroup after 'Megxit', the death of the Queen and Charles and Kate's cancer. What role will Harry play in the future?
"Even in his self-imposed exile in Montecito, California, he remains a figure of public interest. His commitment to charitable organisations - such as the Invictus Games he founded for wounded servicemen and women - always puts him in the spotlight.
"King Charles's second-born, once the Windsors' most popular royal for a time, is now a controversial figure. He has always struggled with his role as a 'reserve'. Paparazzi and the tabloids are a thorn in his side. In addition, his disclosures in recent years have caused a lot of trouble within the family."
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