Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly secured the rights to adapt the romantic novel "Meet Me at the Lake" by bestselling Canadian author Carly Fortune, for a staggering sum of £3 million. The novel follows the story of two characters, Fern and Will, whose romance blossoms in Toronto, the same city where Meghan once resided, reflecting aspects of the couple's own history. However, the themes of the story delve into complex topics such as alcohol, drug use, and mental health, mirroring issues that Harry has openly addressed, particularly in his candid memoir. Notably, the plot includes a fatal accident that bears a haunting resemblance to the tragic 1997 car crash involving Harry's mother, Princess Diana.
Tom Bower, a respected royal biographer, shared an exclusive insight into the matter, suggesting that the inclusion of this detail in the novel may have been a key factor that drew Harry and Meghan's interest. Bower speculates that the shared experience of losing a parent might resonate with the couple and could have motivated their decision to pursue the project. He surmises that someone might have suggested the screen rights to them, presenting it as an opportunity to share their own story in a compelling way.
Bower, known for his work "Rebel Prince: The Power, Passion and Defiance of Prince Charles," believes that the couple's association with Diana's legacy has played a pivotal role in elevating their public profile ever since their courtship began in 2016. He points out that Harry frequently references his mother's struggles with the media, while Meghan appears to emulate Diana's style and demeanor. Bower considers the adaptation of the novel into a movie as yet another spectacle in the elaborate performance the couple has orchestrated.
While Meghan's desire for attention and notoriety may be seen as a driving force behind the project, Bower does not hold back in his criticism of Harry either. He suggests that Harry's behavior has been questionable and has strained relations with his family. Comparisons between Meghan and Diana have persisted, with some alleging that Meghan harbored a lifelong aspiration to emulate the late Princess. Meghan's philanthropic efforts have also drawn comparisons to Diana's humanitarian work.
Nevertheless, public sentiment has taken a negative turn in response to the couple's latest venture. Social media has seen a flurry of critical comments, questioning the couple's relentless pursuit of attention. Some have even taken the drastic step of canceling their Netflix subscriptions as an act of protest.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to tread a path that bears echoes of Princess Diana's legacy, the question remains whether their efforts to embrace the past will solidify their place in the modern world or draw further scrutiny from a public already weary of their high-profile antics.
