Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 'won't win new fans' despite huge new project

10 August 2023 , 10:13

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are thought to be producing a new film

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may satisfy critics with their reported new project, but it won't "win them loads of new fans" according to a PR expert.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly spent $3.8million (£3million) to secure the film rights to the best-selling novel Meet Me at the Lake, by author Carley Fortune. The movie is thought to be getting produced by the couple as part of their $112million (£87.7million) deal with Netflix.

PR expert Louise Findlay-Wilson, told The Mirror the couple now "face a real dilemma". She said: "To win over their critics they need to focus on talking about something other than the royal family.

"But obviously this is the very thing which has made them interesting so far, especially in America. Without the royal connection you might think they've got limited appeal."

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could satisfy critics with their new project (Getty Images)

They're thought to be making the novel into a film adaptation (Amazon)

The MD at Energy PR said the new film could prove to be a smart career move, but it won't help the couple build their fanbase. "I think it's a smart move to improve their reputation.

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"If I was them, I’d be looking to do more deals like this. This film won't win them loads of new fans but it will certainly be a relief to their critics, and even some of their supporters, who've become bored with the royal-bashing narrative," Louise said.

Meet Me at the Lake focuses on a couple who fall in love in their 30s and deals with themes of childhood trauma and post-natal depression. It's proven to be a hit with readers, selling 37,000 copies in its first week alone.

The Sussexes are unlikely to gain new fans with the project (AP)

Louise suggested the romantic themes in the novel reflect the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. She told us: "For some time, in amongst all the digs at the royal family they've also been pushing their personal love story – the story of a 30-something couple finding love, against all odds.

"Seen in this light, this latest rumoured deal to produce a new film for Netflix, based on a bestselling romantic novel Meet Me At The Lake, seems a neat fit. It's relevant to them, but not royal. It's aligned to her career as an actress but it doesn't need them to be in front of the camera."

Scarlett O'Toole