The Sussexes and Netflix: A Complex Relationship Navigates Professional Splits and Personal Ties
The professional partnership between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Netflix has reached a definitive turning point. After a high-profile deal that began in 2020, the streaming giant has officially cut ties with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. Despite the corporate separation, recent sightings suggest that personal relationships between the parties remain intact.
The Complete of a $100 Million Era
In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed an initial $100 million deal with Netflix. However, reports confirm that the streamer officially terminated its relationship with the couple and the “As Ever” lifestyle brand in early 2026.
The corporate rift became public through social media activity. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s CEO, and Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria reportedly unfollowed Meghan Markle and her brand on Instagram. This move followed a period where Sarandos had been one of the first prominent figures to follow the Duchess upon her return to social media in early 2025.
Personal Ties Persist Amidst Corporate Splits
While the business relationship has ended, the personal connection between the Sussexes and the Sarandos family appears to endure. On Friday, April 11, 2026, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a star-studded “Beef Season Two Tastemaker” event at the Montecito, California, home of Ted and Nicole Sarandos.
Photographs from the event showed Meghan Markle appearing close with Nicole Avant Sarandos, with the two women holding hands while posing for photos. The event was attended by various high-profile guests, including:
- Justin Trudeau
- Katy Perry
- Orlando Bloom
- Charles Melton (Star of Netflix’s Beef)
- Carey Mulligan (Star of Netflix’s Beef)
Key Takeaways: The Netflix-Sussex Timeline
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Prince Harry and Meghan sign an initial $100 million deal with Netflix. |
| Early 2025 | Meghan returns to social media; Ted Sarandos is among the first to follow her. |
| March 2026 | Netflix officially cuts ties with the Sussexes and the As Ever brand. |
| April 2026 | The Sussexes attend a party hosted by the Sarandoses in Montecito. |
Looking Forward
The transition from a massive corporate partnership to a purely social acquaintance is a rare move in the world of high-stakes entertainment. While the “As Ever” brand has been purged from the streamer, the willingness of the Sarandos family to host the Sussexes suggests a separation of business and pleasure. As the Duke and Duchess move forward with new ventures, the industry will be watching to see where their content strategy shifts next.
Worth a look