Agreement defies media reports that contract for Duke and Duchess of Sussex would not be renewed

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have signed a fresh multi-year film and television deal with Netflix, contradicting reports this year that the streaming company would not renew its contract with them.

Harry and Meghan, who struck a five-year deal in 2020 reportedly worth $100m (£78m) after stepping back from their duties as senior royals, have collaborated with Netflix on a number of projects, most recently the duchess’s lifestyle series With Love, Meghan.

Media reports had suggested that poor viewing figures for some of the couple’s projects meant that Netflix would not extend the “first look” deal, whereby the streamer has the first option on any projects their company, Archewell Productions, generates.

With Love, Meghan – alongside which the duchess launched her brand, As Ever, in which Netflix is now a partner – failed to break into the streamer’s top 300 shows in the first half of this year, while Harry’s documentary, Polo, ranked 3,346 of 7,000 shows.