Following reports of their declining popularity in America after being dropped by Spotify, the couple’s decision to delve into fiction comes at a pivotal time. The romantic novel, authored by Carley Fortune, is estimated to have cost around £3 million and tells a poignant “love story” about a couple meeting in their 30s, reminiscent of Harry and Meghan’s real-life relationship.
Meet Me At The Lake explores a range of profound themes, including childhood trauma, mental health struggles, and post-natal depression, offering readers a deep emotional connection. The novel also features elements of “steamy sex scenes” and “drug use” and is set in Toronto, Canada, where Meghan lived during her early days of dating Harry.
This acquisition marks the couple’s most significant deal since losing their £16 million contract with Spotify. It also represents the first time their production company, Archewell Productions, has invested in adapting a novel into a fictional drama as part of their lucrative £80 million Netflix deal.
Both Harry and Meghan have been vocal about issues similar to those presented in the novel. In the past, Harry has candidly confessed to drug use, including smoking weed and taking cocaine. He has also shared the challenges of growing up in a “broken home,” describing his childhood as “incredibly painful” and revealing his desire to break the cycle of pain by moving to the United States.
The couple’s openness about mental health struggles was evident in their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where Meghan bravely disclosed her battles with suicidal thoughts during her time at Frogmore Cottage after the birth of their son Archie, who is now four years old.
With Meet Me At The Lake’s success, having sold an impressive 37,000 copies in the first week of its May release alone and reaching the top ten on the New York Times Best Sellers List, Harry and Meghan’s latest project is set to be a compelling and impactful addition to their expanding creative endeavors.
According to PR expert Mayah Riaz, the adaptation of this novel has the potential to shatter records and bring significant professional success to Meghan and Harry. In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, she expressed her confidence, stating, “Given Harry and Meghan’s ability to captivate audiences, this project is bound to attract millions of viewers, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it sets unprecedented box office numbers during its first week.”