Prince Harry & Meghan Markle shocked by box‑office flop

In early August, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released *Cookie Queens*, a theatrical feature that followed four Girl Scouts during a busy cookie‑selling season. The film opened on August 7 in select theaters and earned only $735 , landing at No. 15 in the domestic rankings.

Over its limited run, it grossed $513,148 in the United States.

The couple’s most recent public venture has been less than successful. Their Netflix cooking show, *With Love, Meghan*, wrapped up in March after a single season, and their Spotify podcast deal concluded in 2023, ending a $20 million partnership. Both projects ended without extended runs or additional seasons.

Despite these setbacks, Harry and Meghan remain active in the public eye. They attended a gala celebrating the 40th anniversary of David Foster’s foundation in Canada earlier this month, where Meghan wore the iconic diamond and sapphire earrings once worn by Princess Diana.

## Background & Context

After leaving the British royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle launched several media projects to establish their own brand. Their first attempt at film production, *Cookie Queens*, was intended to showcase their storytelling skills beyond their personal narrative.

However, box‑office numbers fell far short of expectations, prompting questions about the viability of their ventures.

The couple’s foray into podcasting began with *Archetypes* on Spotify. While the show generated significant revenue and attracted a sizable audience for its first season, the partnership ended in 2023 without a second season.

Meanwhile, Netflix’s decision to discontinue *With Love, Meghan* after one season marked another abrupt exit from their streaming ambitions.

Industry observers have noted that the Sussexes’ projects often run parallel to each other. Their simultaneous involvement in multiple platforms has led some to argue that spreading resources too thin can dilute impact and hinder long‑term growth.

## What People Are Saying

A commentator in the entertainment sector advised the couple to pause their public appearances and reduce the number of announcements they make. The suggestion was that they focus on a single, well‑executed project with experienced collaborators rather than pursuing several ventures at once.

The recommendation stresses that success—defined as producing a high‑quality, engaging product—can rebuild credibility more effectively than frequent promotional efforts.

The same voice noted that the Sussexes should distance themselves from repeated discussions about their departure from the royal family. Repeatedly . Instead, audiences appear to respond more strongly to fresh storytelling that does not rely on the monarchy narrative.

The commentator also hinted at a possible shift in public sentiment toward reconciliation with King Charles. While no official statement was made, the implication is that a smoother relationship with the royal establishment could help mitigate the professional consequences of their past conflicts.

## What Happens Next

With their recent projects concluded and box‑office returns underwhelming, the couple appears poised to reassess their strategy. If they decide to step back from the spotlight temporarily, they could use that time to refine a single, compelling narrative idea.

Engaging seasoned writers and producers might increase the chances of critical and commercial success.

Alternatively, they could diversify into niche markets that align more closely with their personal interests—such as sustainability or mental health advocacy—rather than broad entertainment ventures. A focused approach could allow them to build authority in a specific domain and establish a dedicated audience base.

Ultimately, whatever direction they choose, the couple will need to demonstrate tangible output rather than rely solely on celebrity name‑recognition. The next few months could prove pivotal in determining whether their brand can regain momentum in the competitive media landscape.

The outcome of this strategic pause will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike, as it may signal a new chapter for the Sussexes beyond their royal past.