Montecito, California — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a stylish appearance at a Netflix event in their adopted hometown, posing alongside the streaming service's top executive amid ongoing discussions about their professional partnership.
On Friday, April 10, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the “Montecito Tastemaker” event celebrating the second season of Netflix's hit series Beef, held at a private residence in the upscale coastal enclave. Harry, 41, donned a sharp navy suit, while Meghan, 44, chose a sleeveless olive frock that complemented the evening's relaxed yet glamorous vibe. The couple, known for their low-key life in Montecito since relocating from the United Kingdom, mingled with industry insiders, including Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and diplomat Nicole Avant, with whom they shared several photographs during the gathering.
The event marked a rare public outing for the pair, who have largely stepped back from the spotlight following their decision to relinquish senior royal duties in 2020. That move prompted their relocation across the Atlantic to Montecito, where they now raise their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The transition also led to a lucrative multimillion-dollar production deal with Netflix, under which Archewell Productions — the couple's media venture — has developed a range of content.
Among the projects produced under the agreement were two seasons of Meghan's lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, which Netflix recently canceled after its second installment aired last month. The show's end comes as the couple's broader Netflix partnership faces uncertainty, with reports indicating they will not renew the original $100 million deal that began in 2020.
A Netflix spokesperson addressed the cancellation in a statement to Us Weekly in March, saying, “Meghan’s passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of [her] As Ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life.” The representative added, “As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world.”
Representatives for Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, echoed the sentiment in their own statement provided to Us Weekly. “As Ever is grateful for Netflix’s partnership through launch and our first year,” it read. “We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As Ever is now ready to stand on its own. We have an exciting year ahead and can’t wait to share more.”
Despite the non-renewal of the overarching deal, Netflix executives have emphasized that collaboration with Harry and Meghan remains active on several fronts. During a Next on Netflix panel on March 18, Bela Bajaria, Netflix's chief content officer, clarified the status of their relationship. “We still have a relationship with them,” Bajaria said. “We have movies in development with them, we have an amazing doc with them, they have things in development on the TV and film side. Deals come and go all the time and … we don’t renew so many deals and those don’t get as much press for obvious reasons, I guess.”
Bajaria dismissed any dramatic undertones to the decision not to renew, telling Variety at the time, “there’s no juicy story” why Harry and Meghan’s initial deal wasn’t renewed. She further praised the couple's contributions, stating, “Archewell has been a thoughtful and collaborative partner, and we’ve really enjoyed working with Harry and Meghan. They’re deeply engaged in the storytelling process and bring a unique, global perspective that aligns with the kinds of impactful projects our members respond to.”
One upcoming project highlighted in recent reports is The Wedding Date, a film that Harry and Meghan are set to produce for Netflix. Details on the movie remain under wraps, but it underscores the continued creative ties despite the expiration of the flagship agreement. The couple's involvement in such endeavors reflects their pivot toward independent media production following their royal exit, a shift that has included high-profile releases like the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan, which drew millions of viewers but also sparked controversy within royal circles.
The Montecito event itself ties into Netflix's strategy of hosting localized tastemaker gatherings to build buzz for its original programming. Beef, the dark comedy-drama starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, earned critical acclaim for its first season in 2023, winning multiple Emmys and Golden Globes. Season 2, slated for release later this year, promises to expand on the original's themes of rage and redemption, with the Montecito-themed party serving as a nod to the show's California roots and the Sussexes' local presence.
Attendees at the private residence described the atmosphere as intimate and celebratory, with Harry and Meghan appearing relaxed as they engaged with guests. Sources close to the event noted the couple's enthusiasm for Netflix's content slate, particularly projects that align with their interests in mental health, diversity, and social impact — areas Archewell has long championed.
Since settling in Montecito, Harry and Meghan have cultivated a life centered on family and philanthropy, though their media endeavors continue to draw global attention. The $14.7 million purchase of their seven-bedroom estate in 2020 symbolized a fresh start, away from the constraints of Buckingham Palace. Yet, their professional choices, including the Netflix deal, have not been without scrutiny; some critics have questioned the commercial viability of their productions, while supporters highlight their role in modernizing storytelling.
Netflix's decision not to renew the deal has fueled speculation about the future of Archewell Productions. Industry observers point out that streaming services frequently adjust partnerships based on performance metrics, and Bajaria's comments suggest the split is amicable. For Harry and Meghan, the shift could mean greater autonomy, allowing them to pursue ventures like As Ever without the structure of a long-term contract.
Looking ahead, the couple's appearance at the Beef event signals their ongoing integration into Hollywood's elite circles. With several projects in the pipeline, including the aforementioned documentary and films, Harry and Meghan appear poised to maintain their influence in entertainment. As Netflix navigates a competitive landscape — facing rivals like Disney+ and Amazon Prime — partnerships with high-profile figures like the Sussexes remain valuable for brand elevation.
The evening in Montecito also highlighted the area's appeal as a haven for celebrities seeking privacy amid fame. From Oprah Winfrey to Gwyneth Paltrow, the community has long attracted A-listers, and Harry and Meghan's participation in local events like this one reinforces their commitment to the region. As their Netflix chapter evolves, the couple's next moves will likely continue to blend personal milestones with professional ambitions, keeping them firmly in the public eye.
In the broader context of the streaming wars, Netflix's relationship with Harry and Meghan exemplifies how global icons can drive subscriber engagement. While the non-renewal of their deal marks the end of one era, executives' positive remarks indicate potential for future collaborations. For now, the Sussexes seem content to celebrate small victories, like a date night under the California stars, even as larger narratives unfold.