Harry & Meghan: How the Netflix docuseries will differ from other documentaries on the Royal Family

Netflix gave fans a first glimpse at the long awaited docuseries about Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their side of the story following their controversial departure from roles as senior royals in September 2020.

The trailer gave a dramatic look at behind the scenes of the intense scrutiny the couple have endured since their relationship began. One of the key takeaways from the teaser, is how different it will be from how we usually see members of the royal family.

In the trailer, Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, are featured in never before seen images from their wedding and intimate pictures filled with affection. The couple have been known for breaking the mould around royal couples displaying public affection towards each other. This indicates the difference they are hoping to show throughout the docuseries.

However, as well as showing their affectionate side the couple will not shy away from the drama surrounding their departure. Harry is also seen sitting in a chair in a relaxed setting saying: “I had to do everything I could to protect my family.” After a dramatic flash of images including those of the Royal family, Meghan can then be seen saying: “When the stakes are this high - doesn’t it make more sense to hear our story from us?”

Harry & Meghan will premiere worldwide on Netflix on December 8, 2022. You can be the first to watch by signing up for a subscription which starts at £6.99 per month on theNetflix sign up page.

The Royal Family has been at the centre of popular culture for a number of decades whether you are a fan or not, there has always been a steady level of interest, particularly when it comes to behind the scenes. The family has been the subject of many films, and TV shows from the likes of the award winning show The Crown to the Helen Mirren starring film The Queen.

While the docuseries may reveal never before heard details surrounding the Royal family, it is not the first documentary to be made on them. So, what other documentaries on the Royal family have been made?

Princes of the Palace

This 2016 documentary focuses specifically on the Princes in the royal family from the late Prince Philip to her great-grandson Prince George. Biographers of the royal family delve deep into their lives and the legacy of the family. This is available to watch on Netflix.

The Royal House of Windsor

This 2017 series is available to watch on Netflix and is one of the more detailed docuseries about the royal family and their history. The first of the six episodes takes viewers all the way back to World War I, as the royal family tries to navigate the political climate.

The series details Edward VIII’s shock abdication, and King George VI taking the throne. The documentary also details the Queen’s accession to the throne, as well as the breakdown of the marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

The Queen Unseen

This documentary was released following the announcement of Her Majesty’s death in September 2022. The documentary was released on BBC and ITV featuring unseen home footage of the late monarch.

The film seeked to show the person behind the crown. It also featured newly digitised material to paint a picture of Elizabeth as who she was off-duty, a woman devoted to her family. It is still available to watch on ITV Hub and BBC iPlayer.

Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy

In 2017, Prince William and Prince Harry spoke candidly about their mother for the documentary Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy. This was one of two documentaries they had commissioned to mark the 20th death anniversary of their mother, Princess Diana.

In the documentary the two princes speak of her many accomplishments and charitable endeavours, and how her sudden death impacted them. It also features interviews with Diana’s friends and family, and celebrities like Sir Elton John and Charles Spencer. It also includes unseen archival footage and home movies from Diana’s childhood.