Image Source: The Guardian
Prince William is not mentioned in the latest report concerning Meghan Markle’s acting plans, despite the story’s wider connection to the British royal family. The report focuses on claims that the Duchess of Sussex’s potential casting in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix crime series The Gentlemen has been withdrawn following a strong backlash in the UK.
Prince William absent from explosive casting development
The Guardian reported on 22 August 2026 that Meghan Markle’s reported involvement in The Gentlemen had been dropped. The development followed earlier reports that Meghan was in discussions to join the show’s proposed third season, which has not yet received an official greenlight.
Tina Brown, the former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, said she had learned that the casting had been withdrawn. Brown attributed the decision to the reaction in Britain, writing that “the backlash in the UK was so intense, it became untenable to go forward.”
Although the story has renewed attention on the Sussexes and their relationship with the UK, there is no new announcement or direct development involving Prince William in the supplied report. His name does not appear as a participant in the casting decision, nor is he identified as having commented on Meghan’s reported role.
What happened with The Gentlemen?
The Gentlemen is a television spin-off from Guy Ritchie’s 2019 crime comedy film of the same name. The original movie starred Matthew McConaughey and Charlie Hunnam, while Ritchie was involved in creating both the film and the Netflix series.
According to Variety, Meghan had been discussing a possible appearance in season three. The project remains at an early stage because Netflix has not officially approved the new season. The latest report suggests that the proposed casting will no longer proceed, although neither Netflix nor the production team was cited as issuing a detailed public explanation.
- Meghan Markle was reportedly under consideration for season three.
- Tina Brown said the casting was withdrawn after UK backlash.
- The third season has not received an official greenlight.
- Prince William is not reported to be involved in the decision.
Meghan Markle’s return to acting faces fresh uncertainty
Meghan became widely known for playing Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits, a role she held for seven seasons. Her other television appearances include CSI: NY and 90210. She also appeared in the films Horrible Bosses and Anti-Social, in addition to leading the Hallmark movies When Sparks Fly and Dater’s Handbook.
More recently, she filmed a cameo as herself in the Amazon comedy Close Personal Friends, which features Brie Larson and Jack Quaid. The reported withdrawal from The Gentlemen would therefore represent another setback for an acting comeback that has attracted considerable media attention.
The development also comes amid continued interest in the Sussexes’ professional relationship with Netflix. Last year, Harry and Meghan signed a fresh multi-year film and television agreement with the streaming company. Their original five-year deal, signed in 2020, was reportedly worth $100m and produced several projects.
Sussexes expected to return to Britain
The casting report arrives as Harry and Meghan are expected to move back to Britain this month, six years after leaving the country for the United States. The couple are reportedly preparing to relocate with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to a property believed to be outside London.
King Charles was reportedly informed about the planned return. However, the supplied report does not provide new information about how Prince William views the move, whether he has spoken with his brother, or whether he played any role in the family’s arrangements.
That distinction is important. Royal coverage frequently links the Sussexes’ decisions to the wider monarchy, but the available information here concerns Meghan’s reported television casting and the family’s relocation plans. Any claims about Prince William’s reaction would require separate confirmation.
What the report means for the royal family
The story highlights the continuing tension surrounding Harry and Meghan’s public profile in Britain. Their return could place the couple closer to senior members of the monarchy, including Prince William, while their entertainment projects remain under intense scrutiny.
For now, the confirmed takeaway is limited: Meghan’s reported The Gentlemen casting was said to have been withdrawn, the UK reaction was cited as a factor, and the series itself remains unconfirmed. No fresh Prince William news is contained in the report.
Frequently asked questions
Was Prince William involved in Meghan Markle’s reported casting withdrawal?
No. The report does not identify Prince William as being involved in the casting decision or as having commented on it.
Why was Meghan Markle’s reported role in The Gentlemen withdrawn?
Tina Brown said the casting was withdrawn after intense backlash in the UK. The report did not include a detailed statement from Netflix or the production team.
Has The Gentlemen season three been approved?
No. The third season has not received an official greenlight, according to the information provided.
Are Harry and Meghan moving back to Britain?
They are reportedly expected to return to Britain this month with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and may settle at a property outside London.
What is Prince William’s position on the Sussexes’ return?
The supplied report does not reveal Prince William’s views or confirm any conversation between him and Harry about the planned move.