What friends of the Duchess are saying
A friend of the Duchess of Sussex told the Telegraph that people around Meghan Markle believe she was used to help draw attention to the second season of The Gentlemen, arguing that the show's backers knew the new run was weaker than the first and had already ordered a third. The same friend described the tactic as a familiar promotional device: attach a well-known name to a script, then let word spread that talks are underway when little has actually progressed. The friend said the affair left a sour taste in the Sussex camp and that Netflix secured what it wanted, with strong viewing numbers for season two and extensive publicity. Page Six contacted representatives for both Netflix and Markle and had not received a response at the time of publication.[S1]
Outlets on both sides of the Atlantic carried the same claim, with the Sun, the Daily Mail, the Telegraph, GB News, HELLO! Magazine and the London Evening Standard all reporting that friends of Markle accused Netflix of using her to promote Guy Ritchie's series. People.com reported that talks for her to join the show were off while also carrying the friends' account that she had been used to promote the second season.[S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S7][S8]
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How the casting speculation began
Over the summer, Deadline reported that Markle, 45, was in discussions about a role in the third season of The Gentlemen ahead of a return to the UK. Speculation grew further when Netflix's scripted chief, Manda Levin, gave an ambiguous answer at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August when asked whether the duchess might join the action-comedy. Page Six reported exclusively that Markle never actually received an offer and had only one conversation with the series' casting director. One insider said she interpreted the contact as an offer when it was not, and that she and Prince Harry thought a reason for their move would be useful at that moment. Another source said no formal proposal was ever made, but that interest in casting the As Ever founder originated with Ritchie, 58, himself.[S1]
A career shaped by Suits and a step back
Markle's most prominent role was Rachel Zane, whom she played for seven seasons on the legal drama Suits between 2011 and 2018; her film credits include Remember Me and Horrible Bosses. Reports last year said the With Love, Meghan star had landed a role in Close Personal Friends, an ensemble film also featuring Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Jack Quaid and Henry Golding. After getting engaged to Harry, 42, in 2017, she stepped away from acting.[S1]
