WorldNorth AmericaRoyal familyAs Americans ask why the couple is leaving their West Coast idyll, Hollywood observers point to one of the most enduring themes in Southern California: show business aspirations that failed.Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry on their first Netflix show, “Harry & Meghan”, in 2022. NetflixNicole Sperling and Shawn HublerUpdated Aug 23, 2026 – 1.40pm, first published at 1.38pmIt began with such high hopes.The Duke and Duchess of Sussex landed in Hollywood in 2020, flush with a multimillion-dollar Netflix deal and a promise that the duo, scorned by the royal family, would make a slew of inspirational programming.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Latest In North AmericaFetching latest articles