Full Breakdown
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Urged to Pause Public Ventures After “Cookie Queens” Flop
8/16/2026, 10:56:25 AM
Recent Business Setback
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s latest entertainment effort, the documentary *Cookie Queens*, opened in select theaters in August and debuted at No. 15 on the box-office chart. Boxoffice Pro reported an opening average of roughly $735 per screen, and total domestic earnings have reached about $513,148, according to data from The Numbers. The film follows four Girl Scouts during the peak cookie-selling season and was the couple’s first theatrical release as executive producers.
Prior Ventures and Revenue Losses
Harry and Meghan have pursued multiple media projects in recent years. Their Spotify podcast deal, which generated an estimated $20 million for the pair, concluded after a single season in 2023. Their Netflix cooking series, *With Love, Meghan*, was terminated in March of this year. The *Cookie Queens* documentary therefore represents another high-profile attempt that has not translated into commercial success.
Commentary from a Royal Analyst
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield, host of the YouTube channel “Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered,” told Page Six that the couple should consider stepping back from public business activities for a period. Schofield also suggested that the Sussexes avoid using their royal departure as a recurring promotional hook, emphasizing that lasting credibility in entertainment will require products that succeed independently of their celebrity status.
Current Public Appearances
Despite the disappointing box-office performance, Harry and Meghan have continued to attend high-profile events. Earlier this month they appeared at a gala celebrating the 40th anniversary of the David Foster Foundation in Canada, where Meghan wore Princess Diana’s diamond and sapphire earrings in tribute to the late royal.
Outlook
The advice to “disappear professionally” underscores a broader concern that the Sussexes’ ongoing media ventures may be hampered by overextension across multiple categories. Observers note that a more focused strategy, paired with execution by seasoned industry professionals, could be essential for rebuilding credibility and achieving future commercial success.
