Meghan Markle’s friends accuse guy Ritchie, netflix of using her name to promote ‘The Gentlemen’

Meghan Markle’s associates have reportedly criticised filmmaker Guy Ritchie and Netflix over rumours linking the Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle’s associates have reportedly criticised filmmaker Guy Ritchie and Netflix over rumours linking the Duchess of Sussex to the third season of The Gentlemen, alleging that her name was used to generate publicity for the streaming platform’s crime drama.

The controversy emerged in August 2026, when rumours began circulating that Meghan was preparing for a return to acting through an appearance in the upcoming third season of the series. The speculation attracted considerable attention, with some viewers expressing opposition to the possibility of the former American actress joining the cast.

However, the reports were later dismissed, with subsequent accounts indicating that Meghan had not been approached to appear in the show. Despite the clarification, the speculation reportedly left members of her circle unhappy about the way her name had been associated with the production.

According to a report a friend of the Duchess of Sussex accused the show’s creators and Netflix of benefiting from the rumours to promote the second season of The Gentlemen, which premiered in September 2026.

The source suggested that people close to Meghan believed the speculation had helped generate attention for the latest season, particularly as the series had already secured plans for a third instalment.

The friend reportedly said that some members of Meghan’s circle felt she had been used as a promotional tool, claiming that the rumours created publicity for the second season without any confirmed agreement regarding her involvement.

The source also described the alleged strategy as a familiar marketing technique in the entertainment industry, in which a prominent celebrity is linked to a project after reportedly reading a script or holding preliminary discussions.

According to the account, such rumours can be circulated in ways that suggest a potential casting decision is more advanced than it actually is, attracting public interest even when no concrete agreement exists.

The friend further claimed that the episode had left a negative impression among people associated with the Sussexes. They alleged that the speculation generated substantial attention for Netflix and helped draw viewers towards the second season.

The allegations, however, reflect the views attributed to Meghan’s unnamed friend and do not independently establish that Netflix or Guy Ritchie deliberately circulated the rumours for promotional purposes.

Meghan, who previously worked as an actress before marrying Prince Harry, has not confirmed plans to return to acting through The Gentlemen. The reported casting speculation therefore remains separate from any officially announced acting project involving the Duchess.

While a return to the screen does not appear to be imminent, Meghan is reportedly preparing to expand her business interests in the United Kingdom.

Her lifestyle brand, As Ever, is expected to enter the UK market, marking a potential step in the international expansion of her commercial activities.

The brand forms part of Meghan’s broader lifestyle and entrepreneurial ambitions, which have increasingly attracted attention since she and Prince Harry stepped back from their senior royal roles.

For now, the controversy surrounding The Gentlemen centres on the disputed casting rumours and the criticism attributed to someone within Meghan’s circle. Neither the speculation about her appearance nor the accusations of a publicity strategy should be treated as confirmation of an agreement between the Duchess, the filmmaker and Netflix.