Harry and Meghan drawn to new project 'due to experiences of childhood trauma'

07 August 2023 , 09:45

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are thought to be producing a new film (Image: PA)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly set to produce a new film, with one expert suggesting they were drawn to the project "due to their lived experiences of childhood traumas".

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to have spent $3.8million (£3million) to secure the rights to the film as part of their $112million (£88,000) deal with Netflix. The movie will be based on the bestselling novel Meet Me at the Lake, by author Carley Fortune.

The story focuses on a couple who fall in love in their 30s and deals with themes of childhood trauma and post-natal depression. For Meghan and Harry fans, one of the most standout plot points is the death of a parent in a car crash.

Harry was 12-years-old when his mother Princess Diana died in the same circumstances at the age of 36 in 1997. PR expert Mayah Riaz said the film might offer fans a "better understanding" of Harry's own experiences.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are reportedly getting ready to produce their first film (WireImage)

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, the expert said: "It seems the couple do not want to take just any producing role, but one where they are able to make a difference and portray things in a real way. They clearly feel that due to their lived experiences of childhood traumas and death of a parent in a car crash, they are able to do this in these particular scenes justice and portray it in a different way.

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"I feel the parent passing in a car crash and mental health scenes within the book play a huge part as to why Harry and Meghan have picked this particular project as their first producing roles. It's something important to them and we may be able to get a better understanding of what Harry might have gone through whilst dealing with the issues."

Meet Me at the Lake contains some "steamy sex scenes" and "drug use", with some fans surprised that Harry and Meghan chose it for their first producing project. However, Mayah said it's possible these will be omitted from the film.

Prince Harry was 12 when his mother, Lady Diana, died in a car crash in 1997 (Getty Images)

"When books are turned into movies, they don’t stay as an accurate representation of the book. Often there are parts missing or things added for dramatic purposes. I believe that should there be any scenes from the book which Harry and Meghan feel is inappropriate - I'm sure it will be toned down," she said.

Speaking about the film's potential, Mayah said she believes it could be a hit for the couple. She told us: "Harry and Meghan are no strangers to attracting millions of eyes upon what they do and this will be no different.

"I believe the film could hit record number in the first week at the box. Everyone will be talking about it for weeks leading up to the release as well as afterwards. It might not beat the record of Barbie at the box office but I believe it could come very close second to it."

Scarlett O'Toole