Meghan Markle creating Netflix animated series Pearl with Elton John’s husband as part of £112m deal

MEGHAN Markle is teaming up with Netflix and Elton John's husband to create a new animated series as part of the Sussexes' £112million deal.

The Duchess of Sussex will take on the role of executive producer on the show that has the working title 'Pearl'.

The show has been described as a "family series that centres on the adventures of a 12-year-old girl who is inspired by a variety of influential women.

Meghan and Harry, the founders of Archewell Productions, announced the project today.

The Prince will also act as the show's executive producer, alongside Elton John's husband David Furnish, Carolyn Soper, and Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Liz Garbus, Amanda Rynda and Dan Cogan.

The animated series, which features a 12-year-old girl, will be a family series on the streaming site.

“Like many girls her age, our heroine Pearl is on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to overcome life’s daily challenges,” Meghan said in a statement.

“I’m thrilled that Archewell Productions, partnered with the powerhouse platform of Netflix, and these incredible producers, will together bring you this new animated series, which celebrates extraordinary women throughout history.

"David Furnish and I have been eager to bring this special series to light, and I am delighted we are able to announce it today.”

David added: "Added Furnish: “I am delighted that we are finally able to announce this exciting animated series. Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex and I are deeply passionate about bringing the inspirational and positive stories of extraordinary women from around the world to a global audience of all ages.

I’m thrilled that Archewell Productions, partnered with the powerhouse platform of Netflix, and these incredible producers, will together bring you this new animated series, which celebrates extraordinary women throughout history.

Meghan Markle

"The team collaborating on the series are first class, and Netflix are the perfect partner.”

The couple teased details of the show after they signed a £112million dollar deal with Netflix.

They said how the first show would be a docuseries about Harry's beloved Invictus Games, of which he is patron of the Invictus Games Foundation.

Heart of Invictus will document the lives of competitors as they train for the upcoming 2022 games.

Harry said: "Since the very first Invictus Games back in 2014, we knew that each competitor would contribute in their own exceptional way to a mosaic of resilience, determination, and resolve.

"This series will give communities around the world a window into the moving and uplifting stories of these competitors on their path to the Netherlands next year.

"As Archewell Productions’ first series with Netflix, in partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, I couldn’t be more excited for the journey ahead or prouder of the Invictus community for continuously inspiring global healing, human potential and continued service."

There is speculation that Pearl will have a similar feel to her recent children's book The Bench, which became a New York Times bestseller.

Meghan said how the book that was released on June 8 was a "love letter" to her husband and their first child, Archie.

She said: "While this poem began as a love letter to my husband and son, I’m encouraged to see that its universal themes of love, representation and inclusivity are resonating with communities everywhere."

She added: "In many ways, pursuing a more compassionate and equitable world begins with these core values.

"Equally, to depict another side of masculinity — one grounded in connection, emotion, and softness — is to model a world that so many would like to see for their sons and daughters alike.

"Thank you for supporting me in this special project."

This comes after Meghan and Harry's Emmy nod is  "farcical" - as they "spouted complete untruths" to Oprah, a royal expert says.

SPECIAL PROJECT

The couple's explosive chat has been nominated for a top gong - after they made a string of bombshell claims about Harry's family.

During the interview, they alleged a senior royal had made racist comments about their son Archie's skin colour - while Meghan claimed Kate made her cry over bridesmaids' dresses.

But commentator Phil Dampier said the Sussexes were encouraged to tell "their truth - rather than the truth."

He told Sun Online: "I think it's farcical.

"We now know Harry and Meghan were allowed to spout a lot of complete untruths and unchecked 'facts' in the interview, and Oprah Winfrey did nothing to query it.

"As a journalistic exercise, I thought it was very, very poor.

"It might have been watched by millions and it got a lot of headlines, but it was clearly not journalism."

The two-hour special aired in March - but months on, it seems likely to hold its place as the TV event of the year.

Harry told Oprah he felt let down by his family - and that he was barely speaking to his brother, describing their relationship now as "space".