Ads
Looking back now, a central question still hangs in the air: were Harry and Meghan documenting their exit because they felt besieged and needed a record of events, or had they already realized that their personal turmoil could one day be turned into a commercial product? That uncertainty runs through every frame of their Netflix series. The documentary captured Meghan in tears, Harry speaking dramatically about a “freedom flight,” and countless intimate moments that felt startlingly private. Given how much has happened since its release, it can feel as though the world has lived through multiple versions of Harry and Meghan’s story. Yet certain scenes—especially Meghan’s exaggerated curtsy—remain unforgettable and continue to shape how the series is remembered.
Welcome back to Royal Exclusive Rewind, where we reopen the royal archives to revisit defining moments from modern monarchy history. In 2022, nearly 29 million households tuned in to watch Harry & Meghan, making it Netflix’s biggest documentary debut to date. The six-part series chronicled their relationship from its earliest days through to explosive accusations against the royal family, claims of institutional racism, and moments that sent shockwaves across Britain and beyond.
Ads
Joining the discussion were royal editor Matt Wilkinson, news.com.au royal reporter Brontë Coy, and Sky News correspondent Rhiannon Mills. Together, they unpacked why this documentary felt so unprecedented. Above all else, what shocked many observers was not just what Harry and Meghan said, but the fact that they had been filming themselves at all during the most chaotic period of their lives.
To understand the impact, it’s important to remember the atmosphere in 2022. Anticipation for the series was intense. Newsrooms hosted watch parties, desperate to hear what new revelations might emerge and how deeply the couple would criticize the royal family. What stood out most was footage filmed in early 2020, when Harry and Meghan were still deciding their future. Harry recorded himself as he prepared to leave for Canada, while Meghan filmed herself crying. Viewers were left wondering: were these recordings born of fear and isolation, or were they already thinking ahead to how this footage could later be used?
At the time, Harry insisted that he had not wanted a complete break from royal life and had hoped to retain some role within the family. Yet that claim sits awkwardly beside the existence of a polished Netflix series. If reconciliation was truly the goal, why were such raw, personal moments being captured on camera? Even though the Netflix deal came later, many felt this footage suggested their mindset was already shifting toward telling—and selling—their story.
Ads
The documentary revealed moments the public had never witnessed before: private texts from Prince William, Meghan encouraging Harry to remember that William was still his brother, and emotional conversations that traditionally would never leave palace walls. But among all these revelations, one scene eclipsed the rest—the curtsy.
In describing her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan framed the experience as though she had wandered into a kind of medieval reenactment, performing an exaggerated bow that left many viewers stunned. For some, it was the most uncomfortable moment of the entire series. Harry’s expression during the scene seemed to reflect what many at home were thinking: this was not going to land well.
The curtsy clashed sharply with the image Meghan and Harry had previously promoted of her being detail-oriented, meticulous, and well-prepared. With even minimal research, anyone could understand the significance of royal protocol. For British audiences especially, the moment felt deeply disrespectful to the late Queen. More than any allegation or criticism, this scene crossed an invisible line and became, for many, unforgivable.
Ads
What made it worse was the contradiction at the heart of the series. Harry and Meghan repeatedly insisted that their grievances were not directed at the Queen, whom they claimed to love and respect. Yet by attacking the institution she led—and by including moments like the curtsy—they appeared to implicate her nonetheless. This tension weakened their argument and left many viewers unconvinced.
Although the documentary was presented as a story of freedom and a fresh start in America, it spent considerable time revisiting old wounds. Meghan spoke about feeling rejected, her mental health concerns being dismissed, and racism within royal life. Netflix, having invested heavily, clearly wanted emotional depth and dramatic revelations, and the series delivered that in abundance. The overarching message was clear: a love story that began with hope but collapsed under pressure.
Still, critics questioned whether Harry and Meghan missed an opportunity. American audiences often respond well to redemption arcs and reinvention stories, yet the series remained focused on grievances. By the time it aired, the Oprah interview had already aired and Harry’s memoir Spare was on the horizon. Rather than moving forward, the documentary felt like another chapter of score-settling, especially regarding Harry’s relationship with Prince William.
Ads
This approach raised a larger question: was it worth it? Commercially, the series was a huge success. But creatively and strategically, some argue it exhausted public interest too quickly. In the years since, Harry and Meghan have struggled to produce content that generates the same level of attention, leading some to suggest they “fired all their shots” too early.
The impact on family relationships has been undeniable. Publicly airing deeply personal conflicts—particularly when the royal family cannot respond—created an imbalance that many viewers found uncomfortable. Harry himself has acknowledged wanting reconciliation, especially with his father, yet projects like this arguably made that goal harder to reach.
Ultimately, Harry & Meghan was undeniably compelling television. Critics called it repetitive or self-indulgent, but few found it boring. It captivated audiences because it offered unprecedented access to royal drama. Whether it was the right choice for Harry and Meghan’s long-term future remains debatable. As entertainment, it succeeded spectacularly. As a step toward healing, the verdict is far less certain.
And that lingering question remains: should there ever be a second series? Some say yes, others say absolutely not. Either way, the impact of the first is impossible to forget.
Post a Comment