Additional Coverage:
- Meghan Markle, Prince Harry box-office flop shows ‘infamy’ doesn’t equal success: expert (foxnews.com)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Hollywood ambitions face fresh scrutiny as their latest project, the documentary “Cookie Queens,” struggled to draw audiences during its opening weekend.
The film, executive produced by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex through their Archewell Productions, follows four Girl Scouts as they navigate the competitive world of cookie sales while exploring themes of ambition and leadership. Despite the couple’s high-profile involvement, “Cookie Queens” brought in roughly $354,000 from 446 theaters-a modest figure that was notably outperformed by “CatVideoFest 2026,” a compilation of viral cat videos that earned about $569,000 on fewer screens.
This underwhelming box office performance has sparked debate among royal commentators about the couple’s current commercial appeal. Kinsey Schofield, a royal expert and host of “Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered,” told Fox News Digital that while Harry and Meghan still generate headlines, converting that attention into paying customers is a different challenge altogether.
“There was a time when their names alone guaranteed huge curiosity,” Schofield said. “But I’m not sure that’s still the case. Finishing behind a viral cat video compilation is a tough blow-it’s the kind of outcome that writes its own punchline.”
Meghan Markle actively promoted the documentary, even sharing her own childhood experiences as a Girl Scout, making the modest turnout all the more notable. Schofield suggested that much of the couple’s current recognition may stem more from notoriety than genuine popularity, which affects commercial success.
British royal expert Hilary Fordwich echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the Sussexes’ projects tend to find an audience only when they focus on royal family controversies. “Unless they are sharing insider stories or criticizing the royals, their appeal significantly diminishes,” she said. Fordwich added that Meghan’s hoped-for commercial impact remains elusive and that the couple faces mounting pressure to deliver a mainstream hit.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California, Harry and Meghan have pursued various Hollywood deals. Their 2022 Netflix series “Harry & Meghan” and Harry’s 2023 memoir “Spare” garnered widespread attention by delving into their royal exit and personal struggles. However, experts note that these remain their most significant successes, largely due to the royal family connection.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams described their other ventures-such as Meghan’s series “With Love, Meghan” and lifestyle products-as lacking sustained commercial traction. “It’s all about buzz and their royal link,” he said.
As the couple shifts focus to American projects away from royal drama, Schofield sees their experience as a case study in the difference between media attention and real commercial influence. “Infamy drives clicks and conversation, but turning that into paying audiences is a very different challenge,” she explained.
Hollywood’s initial fascination with the Sussexes has faded since their arrival in California. “The novelty has worn off,” Schofield said.
“Now the industry is asking: What can you produce? What can you sell?
Can you build an audience without royal scandals?”
With numerous projects announced but few clear hits, Schofield warns that the Sussexes risk damaging their credibility if they fail to deliver. “You can’t build a serious production reputation on press releases alone,” she noted.
In this light, the performance of “Cookie Queens,” though a relatively small documentary, carries weight. Schofield concluded, “Being beaten at the box office by ‘CatVideoFest’ may be amusing, but it highlights the urgent need for a genuine success.”