The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are once again the focus of attention with the upcoming release of a German documentary that promises to spark significant interest.
Set to premiere on December 3, the documentary Prince Harry – The Lost Prince, produced by Germany’s ZDF, delves into Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s lives in Montecito, California, and their ongoing quest for purpose following their decision to step back from royal duties in January 2020.
Directed by the award-winning Ulrike Grunewald, the film features insights gathered from the couple’s California neighborhood, where they reside with their two children. It explores the mixed public opinions surrounding Harry and Meghan and examines the fallout from their abrupt departure from royal life.
ZDF teases that the documentary will touch on pressing questions, stating, “The Royal Family has to contend with significant changes and adjust following ‘Megxit,’ the death of the Queen, and Charles and Kate’s cancer. What role will Harry take on in the future?”
At the time of their departure, Harry and Meghan faced harsh criticism in German media. Publications like the Süddeutsche Zeitung labeled their decision “an affront to tradition and the expectations of the British public,” while Die Welt described their move as “a slap in the face of the monarchy and its supporters.”
Speaking ahead of the documentary’s release, filmmaker Ulrike shared with the Express that the program will also examine Meghan’s shifting public image, which might not be well-received by the Duchess. “She [Meghan] might feel embarrassed by the level of criticism she now faces, even from groups that once supported her decision to step away from being a working royal,” Ulrike noted.
The filmmaker also highlighted criticism from individuals connected to Prince Harry’s Invictus Games, questioning Meghan’s role and attitude. However, she acknowledged that some still see promise in the couple’s potential. “While there hasn’t been any significant achievement by their Archewell Foundation, which aims to better communities, there are still those who believe in the couple’s potential—not only for the British monarchy but also for a more liberal society.”
The documentary also scrutinizes Harry’s evolving role, from a once-beloved royal to a polarizing figure. Promotional materials from ZDF emphasize his continued public relevance, even in his California exile, citing his charitable efforts such as founding the Invictus Games for wounded veterans.
The film will reflect on Harry’s shift in public perception, highlighting his struggles as a “reserve” in the royal family. “King Charles’s second-born, once the most popular member of the Windsors, has become a divisive figure,” the documentary notes.
