Meghan and Harry had no editorial control of their trailer

(Image credit: Getty)

published 7 December 2022

Meghan and Harry did not have a say in the editorial content of the trailer for their Netflix documentary, according to sources close to them.

The bombshell series lands on Netflix on 8 December, but the Sussexes didn't have a say in what went into the trailer.
The trailer has been criticized for using paparazzi shots that have nothing to do with the Royal Family.
In other royal news, Meghan wowed in a strapless white dress in New York on Tuesday night.

Insiders close to Meghan and Harry have spoken out over the controversy surrounding their Netflix documentary trailer, which has been revealed to feature stock images that aren't actually related to the royal family.

The trailer, in which Harry compared the treatment of his wife to that of his late Diana, Princess of Wales, shows multiple scenes of paparazzi and press photographers in situations where the Royal family were not present.

One photograph of a crowd of photographers was taken at a Harry Potter film premiere, with other footage taken from outside a Katie Price court case.

However, insiders close to the royals have now said that the use of stock footage and photographs in television trailers is “standard practice” and that Harry and Meghan had no say in what went into the trailer.

Confirming that the royal couple had no editorial control, the source said, "You use stock images to tell a story, [it's] standard practice in documentary and trailer production," they said. "It's not meant to be literal in a trailer."

In the trailer, we see Prince Harry open up about the "pain and suffering" of women marrying into the Royal family, over footage including Kate Middleton being swarmed by photographers while she was dating Prince William.

During one moment in the trailer, an image of senior royals standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace is shown. While this photo is on screen, Prince Harry - who is the main narrator of the trailer - discusses not only his family but also the inner workings of The Firm, including some pretty intense allegations.

The series will see the Duke and Duchess describe the many challenges they believe made it impossible for them to remain in the Royal family.

In light of the explosive documentary, which will be released on Netflix on Thursday 8 December, Prince William and King Charles will 'put on a united front.'

One source close to the Netflix production has said, “I genuinely think it’s going to be worse than the royals can imagine. I’m told that it’s going to be utterly explosive and will be very damaging."

“A lot of people are either pro-Sussex or pro-William and Kate, but there’s a belief that this documentary will bring people onside with Harry and Meghan. The big question is that, whatever the revelations are, who will people side with after seeing the show."

Robyn is a celebrity and entertainment journalist and editor with over eight years experience in the industry. As well as contributing regular to woman&home, she also often writes for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman's Weekly and The Sun.