Royal biographer Tina Brown announced on February 15 that an offer for Meghan Markle to star in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen had been withdrawn. Brown, writing on her Fresh Hell Substack, stated she had been informed the casting was rescinded due to intense backlash in the UK, making it untenable to proceed. The decision marks a potential setback for Markle’s reported plans to resume her acting career following her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry and subsequent departure from royal duties in 2020.
Markle’s reported return to acting had been framed as a key factor in the couple’s decision to relocate their family from the U.S. to the U.K. later this month. Sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had indicated her involvement in The Gentlemen was part of a broader effort to rebuild her public profile in Britain. The series, a British action-comedy, is produced by Ritchie and distributed by Netflix.
Brown’s announcement follows earlier reports suggesting Markle was in early discussions for the role. The withdrawal of the offer comes amid ongoing media scrutiny of the Sussexes’ relationship with the British monarchy, including Prince Harry’s brother, Prince William, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Reactions and Broader Context
The decision to withdraw the casting offer has drawn attention to the public and media reception of Markle’s potential return to acting in the U.K. While some outlets framed the backlash as a reflection of ongoing controversies surrounding the Sussexes, others highlighted the commercial and cultural significance of The Gentlemen as a critically acclaimed series.
Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen is a well-established franchise, with the first film released in 2019 and a prequel series debuting on Netflix in 2024. The show’s blend of dark humor and crime drama has garnered a dedicated fanbase, making it a notable platform for an actor’s return to the industry. Markle, who starred as Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits from 2011 to 2018, had not taken on a major acting role since her marriage to Prince Harry.
The Sussexes’ Move to the U.K.
The rescinded casting offer coincides with reports that Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children—Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5—are preparing to relocate to the U.K. later this month. Sources cited by multiple outlets indicated the family would reside in a non-royal residence outside London, with the Cotswolds mentioned as a possible location. The move follows years of speculation about the couple’s future in the U.S., including their 2020 decision to step back from senior royal duties and subsequent relocation to North America.
The relocation has reignited discussions about the ongoing tensions between Prince Harry and the British monarchy, particularly regarding his public statements and legal actions against the royal family. Some analysts have suggested the couple’s return could intensify media attention on the monarchy, while others argue it may provide an opportunity for reconciliation or renewed public engagement.
Historical Precedent and Industry Impact
Markle’s potential involvement in The Gentlemen had been framed as a high-profile comeback for the actress, who left Suits after becoming engaged to Prince Harry. At the time, she was reportedly earning $40,000 per episode, making her one of the highest-paid actresses on the show. Her return to acting had been anticipated as a way to reestablish her career outside of her royal role.
However, the withdrawal of the offer raises questions about the challenges of re-entering the U.K. entertainment industry amid a polarized media landscape. Some industry observers noted that the controversies surrounding the Sussexes could complicate efforts to secure high-profile roles, particularly in projects tied to British institutions or cultural narratives.
What’s Next?
As of the latest reporting, it remains unclear whether Markle will pursue other acting opportunities in the U.K. or abroad. The couple’s relocation to the U.K. is expected to proceed as planned, with their children set to enroll in schools in England. The Sussexes have also been involved in various philanthropic and media ventures, including their Archewell Foundation and a Netflix deal for documentaries and other projects.
The decision to withdraw the casting offer underscores the complex interplay between celebrity, media scrutiny, and industry opportunities in the U.K. For now, the focus remains on the family’s transition back to Britain and the potential implications for their public and private lives.