Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are expanding their “creative vision” past projects focussed on their own experience as royals to strengthen their relationship with the public, an entertainment expert noted.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been trying to secure a position in Hollywood by signing a multi-million production deal with Netflix within months of stepping down from their royal roles.
Their six-part docuseries Harry & Meghan offered glimpses into their decision to quit, and Harry worked with the streaming giant to produce a documentary on the Invictus Games set to be released later this year.
But the couple has now signalled they are ready to move on to projects that do not focus on their own lives as they are working to adapt the hit novel Meet Me at the Lake for Netflix.
Expert Mark Boardman noted the project could prove to be a very “clever” move for the couple and show to the public they do not need to rely on their royal links to create successful products.
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to Daily Express US
Boardman said: “With Meet Me by the Lake securing its spot as a number one bestseller, the novel’s romantic themes present a strategic opportunity for Harry and Meghan.
“Securing rights to any book would be a challenge for anyone but Meghan and Harry would have to have really pitched the value they can bring and offer a twist as to why potentially their hands would be capable of doing the book justice.”
And while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex seem set to move on from discussing their personal life, the novel does bear some similarities with their own romance.
The plot echoes elements of the couple’s relationship, from the main characters starting a relationship in their late 30s to dealing with the loss of a parent.
Boardman also argued the adaptation could still serve as a “reflection” of Harry and Meghan’s journey to where they are now.
He told Newsweek: “Although there isn’t a sequel to the book, the potential movie adaptation holds intriguing parallels to Harry and Meghan’s own love story.
“The narrative’s ups and downs, intertwined with steamy scenes, could serve as a reflection of their personal journey, offering a unique lens into their shared experiences.”
Author Carley Fortune said she was excited to be working with Netflix and Harry and Meghan’s Archwell Productions to adapt her novel.
She said: “I’m so thrilled about working with Netflix and Archewell to bring Meet Me at the Lake to the screen.
“Will and Fern’s [main characters] love story is dear to my heart, and I can’t imagine a more perfect partnership.”
After it was announced the Duke and Duchess had acquired the rights to the books, an insider said the pair was “gripped” by the plot and very eager to adapt it to the screen.
They said: “The themes of the book gripped the couple and it was chosen for their first adaptation with Netflix.”
The adaptation of the New York Times’s best-selling novel marks the first major project Harry and Meghan have embarked on since the end of their agreement with Spotify in June.
It will also be the first time their own production company paid to turn a novel into a film for the streaming platform.
Follow our social media accounts here on facebook.com/ExpressUSNews
