Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing a likeability battle with Hollywood’s inner circle, a source has claimed, which comes after the royal duo secured their initial deal with the streaming giant, Netflix.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed a lucrative multi-million-pound deal with Netflix shortly after stepping down as working members of the Royal Family in 2020.

The initial self-titled documentary ‘Harry & Meghan’ was deemed a huge success, breaking a record for the most-watched documentary series in its first week. However, critics are now claiming the couple has hardly produced any content for the streaming giant over the last four years.

The source told the Mail Online: “Netflix were handing out vanity deals like candy at the time and so everybody just shrugged their shoulders and assumed their company wouldn’t get much done despite the generous backing.

“But even Harry and Meghan naysayers would have been shocked at how little they’ve actually achieved.”

They went on further to add: “And in the more austere climate of the industry in 2024 when thousands of people have lost jobs and the entertainment industry economy is struggling, there’s now a genuine dislike and distrust towards them by some.”

The Montecito-based duo will release two Netflix series on the streaming platform once the projects are completed. Prince Harry’s series will air in December and will focus on the sporting world of polo, whereas Meghan’s will aim to celebrate food, friendship, and cooking.

The first look for Harry’s project dropped online just hours after Princess Kate posted her cancer recovery video – with some criticising the timing of the release.

Harry has played polo for several years and has even made several returns to the field after relocating to the US with his wife and two children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

The Netflix announcement on X read: “POLO is a new documentary series that follows elite global players and offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport. From Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures, premiering this December only on Netflix.”

It comes as Prince Harry begins his string of solo appearances in New York, kicking off the week at a high-profile dinner organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Harry attended the event which honoured survivors of childhood violence and discussed its impact on mental health.

The royal rubbed shoulders with distinguished guests, including Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the glitzy dinner.

The aim of the trip is to “advance a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives,” while also championing causes near and dear to his charity Archewell, which he launched with his wife the Duchess of Sussex in 2020.

During Harry’s New York stay he will “participate in engagements with African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst,” a spokesperson for the Duke said.