Director of new Harry and Meghan documentary says she understands Royal Family's concerns

The new documentary aims to give audiences a closer look at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's life in Montecito as filmmakers visit the town and interview their neighbours

A new documentary is set to be released delving into the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after filmmakers headed to their new hometown to speak to their neighbours. Director Ulrike Grünewald worked on the German network ZDF documentary that will air on December 3 as she said it gave her a closer insight into the late Queen Elizabeth II's perspective.

The documentary, titled Prince Harry - The Lost Prince, will delve into the couple's search for relevance following their exit from their royal roles in early 2020 and their controversial move to the US. In an interview with the Express, director Ulrike said working on the documentary gave her an insight into why the royals were so concerned when Meghan and Harry left their royal duties to pursue a different path.

"The most damaging allegations can only come from within. Revelations that shock the royal family only come out of Prince Harry‘s or Meghan Markle‘s mouths," she said. "I begin to understand the late Queen’s verdict that you can’t be 'half in and half out.'"

Ulrike added that the couple are trying to make a legacy for themselves since their move to the US. "At the moment it is hard to see any big achievement of their Archewell Foundation," she says.

The Archewell Foundation is a non-profit organisation set up by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. On the website, their 'about' section reads: "We believe that philanthropy is not a handout; it’s a hand held.

"At The Archewell Foundation, we roll up our sleeves and do just that. We consciously partner with key organizations and leaders to identify immediate needs, build meaningful initiatives, and drive long-term change.

"We are committed to uncovering and resolving the root causes of issues, prioritizing lasting solutions over temporary fixes. Our work is underpinned by the core belief that mental health and our collective wellbeing are paramount."

The new documentary will see the film crew travel to Montecito with their mansion sits and speak with at least one of their neighbours. Richard Mineards, a former UK journalist who now lives in Montecito, said the crew "grilled him for two hours".

"Los Angeles-based producer, Melanie Hillmann grilled me for two hours on my Riven Rock neighbors, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, under director Ulrike Grunewald," he wrote in the Montecito Journal. "The interview is airing in due course as part of a prime-time documentary on ZDF Royal."