Meghan Markle has been reportedly dropped from a plum acting role in the upcoming third season of Netflix series The Gentlemen.
The Duchess of Sussex had been in talks to star in director Guy Ritchie’s popular drama series, according to several reports, however hours later it emerged her rumoured casting had been promptly withdrawn.
Meghan Markle starred as Rachel Zane on the popular legal drama Suits. Getty
Former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair and royal expert Tina Brown wrote on X: “I learned this morning that the casting of Meghan Markle in season 3 of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen has been withdrawn.”
“The backlash in the UK was so intense, it became untenable to go forward.”
Variety earlier reported that the former senior royal was in advanced discussions to join the cast for the third season, but the decision was not yet official.
The series is scheduled to film in the UK’s Cotswolds, where Markle and husband Prince Harry are rumoured to be moving with their children.
In a shock backtrack, Harry and Meghan are said to be returning to the UK to live and have enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in a British school, where they will begin next month.
However, the latest announcement may have thrown these plans into “chaos”.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are planning to return to the UK. AP
Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers told Today that Markle was hoping to make this role her official return to acting.
“I feel a little bit sorry for her… because the backlash, who is this coming from?” Myers said.
“One must think what a chaotic period for not only the Sussexes, but everyone around them at the moment.
“Industry insiders are still saying there will be people queueing up to sign her, she’s still a big name.”
Markle found fame on the popular legal drama Suits before marrying Prince Harry and temporarily joining the British royal family.
She also appeared in a short-lived Netflix lifestyle series, Made With Love, Meghan.