Harry and Meghan's production company's first Netflix series pays tribute to the prince's royal roots
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's production company has announced its first project with Netflix, a docuseries about the Invictus Games.
Archewell Productions announced plans on Tuesday for "Heart of Invictus," a show that follows a group of competitors as they prepare for the sporting tournament, which Harry launched for wounded or injured army personnel in 2014 while he was a working royal.
The series, from Oscar-winning director Orlando von Einsiedel and producer Joanna Natasegara, is expected to be released in spring 2022, and is the result of a partnership between Archewell and the Invictus Games Foundation.
Harry will appear on camera and be an executive producer on the series, which will spotlight competitors as they train for The Hague 2022 Games, "and along the way reveal powerful stories of resilience and hope," according to a press release obtained by Insider.
"Since the very first Invictus Games back in 2014, we knew that each competitor would contribute in their own exceptional way to a mosaic of resilience, determination, and resolve," Harry said in a statement in the same press release.
"This series will give communities around the world a window into the moving and uplifting stories of these competitors on their path to the Netherlands next year," he added. "As Archewell Productions' first series with Netflix, in partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, I couldn't be more excited for the journey ahead or prouder of the Invictus community for continuously inspiring global healing, human potential and continued service."
The Netflix project pays tribute to the Duke of Sussex's royal roots, as well as his own links to the armed forces.
Harry served in the military from 2004 until 2015. During this time, he served two tours of Afghanistan, and worked his way through the ranks, being promoted to Lieutenant in 2008, and Captain in 2011.
Harry's work with the Invictus Games was one of his only royal projects during this time. The tournament was first held in London in 2014, and has taken place in locations throughout the world, including Orlando and Toronto.
Harry and Markle's attendance at the Invictus Games Toronto in 2017 marked their first public appearance as a couple.
"From the moment I met them, it's been clear that the Invictus Games hold a very special place in their hearts, and I couldn't be happier that their first series for Netflix will showcase that for the world in a way never seen before," Ted Sarandos, co-CEO and chief content officer at Netflix, said in the statement obtained by Insider.