First look at Harry and Meghan's Netflix special divides fans as Meghan teases the 'high stakes' in telling 'our story'

The first look at Harry and Meghan’s much anticipated Netflix special has been released. The clip, which includes never-before-seen photos of the pair, starts with a voiceover asking them both, “why did you want to make this documentary?” As more photos appear, Harry is shown saying he had to do “everything to protect” his family as Meghan sits down to face the camera.

• The first trailer for Harry and Meghan’s Netflix special has been released
• Personal photos of the couple are shown, while Meghan speaks about the “stakes” being “high” around their story
• In other royal news, Kate Middleton means business in super sleek navy trouser suit and Princess Diana's sapphire earrings for US trip

“When the stakes are this high, doesn’t it make more sense to hear our story from us?”

Meghan Markle utters these words at the end of the first trailer for Netflix’s much-awaited special. The Duchess of Sussex is shown in a casual grey jumper, speaking directly to the person interviewing them for the special, which appears to be titled simply Harry & Meghan.  

While the trailer doesn’t reveal what to expect from the special, it implies that the pair are willing to open up and share aspects of their private lives.

Throughout the clip, we see personal photos of the pair – Harry playing guitar next to Meghan sitting on the grass, a pregnant Meghan in a flowing dress – and a voiceover alludes to the fact that “no one sees what’s happening behind closed doors.”

In what might prove a controversial moment, this is followed almost immediately by what appears to be a photo of Meghan crying, and then another prominently featuring Kate Middleton and Prince William, picked at a moment in which Kate appears to be staring directly into the camera.

Reactions to the first look of Harry & Meghan have been mixed.

While some fans have been quick to proclaim they will most definitely be tuning in, others are questioning the timing or the decision for the pair to go so public.

One Facebook user wondered what more the documentary could reveal, touching on Prince Harry’s upcoming memoir release - “Didn't we already hear their story? Multiple times in fact and there is even a book coming out.”

Another made a slight dig at the fact the pair wanted to quit life as working royals to enjoy some privacy, writing, “These two have a very funny definition of what 'private' means”.

Still, there’s plenty who are rooting for them. “Omg omg I can not wait for this.. FINALLY the truth always prevails.. bring it on..” one fan wrote.

No release date has been given for the special yet, but it will be released exclusively on Netflix.

The series has already reportedly been pushed back as the pair wanted to make edits, and their first director quit over creative differences.