Every move Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make is scrutinized by the press, but the couple’s latest staff cuts are raising questions about their next professional steps. 

In June, Hello!revealed that four employees had left the Sussexes’ employ. While that move was chalked up to their ever-changing needs with their charity and professional work, Page Six is indicating that the reason is related to financial cutbacks by the royal duo. The media outlet is reporting that Meghan and Harry are quietly downsizing their staffbecause their Netflix deal will likely be renegotiated at a lower rate. 

In September 2020, the couple signed a lucrative contract with the streamer, reportedly worth $100. In the last five years, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had hits with their docuseries Harry & Meghan and With Love, Meghan. Still, they’ve had some setbacks with their other projects, including Heart of Invictus and Polo. Netflix is Meghan’s partner for her brand, As Ever, so the deal won’t go away — but it will probably be restructured. 

In September 2024,Deadline reported that Netflix is rewarding talent for hit shows and movies instead of giving stars a large sum upfront. The media outlet shared that “Netflix is asking top talent to reduce their fees by between 20-30%, in exchange for giving them twice that amount on the back end if the show or movie is successful, on top of other bonuses that are already part of Netflix’s package.” Prince Harry and Meghan could be a part of that new deal, meaning that every celebrity is facing this situation — it’s not a Sussex issue. 

Hollywood has endured a massive economic shift in the five years since Harry and Meghan first signed their Netflix deal. There was a pandemic, two industry strikes, runaway production to other states and countries, and devastating wildfires, so there have been major cutbacks across the board. It would be financially responsible for the Sussexes to downsize their own budget. 

“In a financial sense, it’s cheaper to employ a PR firm, as opposed to having to full-time staff,” a Hollywood insider told Page Six.

Still, Meghan’s lifestyle show is a hit for the streamer, and her products continue to sell out. Despite what the press might say about the Sussexes, Netflix will stay in business with the royals.

Before you go, click here to see more of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s milestones since leaving the royal family.