Meghan Markle’s Path to Disney Voiceover: A Royal Connection

In 2020, Disney released a nature documentary titled “Elephant,” featuring voiceover narration by Meghan Markle. This project marked a significant step in Meghan’s career post-royalty, and the story behind her involvement reveals intriguing insights into her transition from a royal to a content creator.

The journey began in July 2019 at the European premiere of Disney’s “The Lion King” in London. Among the distinguished guests were the newly married Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who had recently welcomed their first child, Prince Archie. The couple was under intense media scrutiny at the time, facing negative tabloid attention.

During the red carpet event, Prince Harry was overheard in a conversation with Disney’s then-CEO, Bob Iger. According to reports by People, Harry mentioned, “You know she does voiceovers,” to which Iger responded, “Oh, really?” Harry continued, “Did you know that? You seem surprised,” and added, “she’s really interested,” prompting Iger to respond, “Sure, we’d love to try.”

This exchange was captured on camera and later interpreted by some as a sign of Harry and Meghan’s interest in seeking independent work opportunities outside the confines of their royal duties. This interpretation gained traction when, in January 2020, the couple announced their decision to step back from royal responsibilities and relocate to the United States. Subsequently, they signed deals with major companies like Netflix to create content.

However, the connection between Meghan and the “Elephant” documentary predated this red carpet encounter. Filmmakers Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz revealed to People that Meghan’s involvement with the project dated back to 2017, long before the public conversation with Iger.

Bob Iger, reflecting on his interactions with British royalty, expressed his admiration for the UK and its people. After being appointed as an honorary Knight of the British Empire in 2022, Iger stated, “It is one of the great honors of my life to have the honorary Knight of the British Empire conferred on me by Queen Elizabeth II before she passed. I have great affection for the people of the UK & have always appreciated and been inspired by their extraordinary contributions.”

Meghan’s performance in “Elephant” was well-received, showcasing her talent and versatility. The positive reception of her work underscored her ability to successfully navigate her new career path. Despite the initial media frenzy around Harry’s pitch to Iger, the duchess’s dedication and early involvement with the project demonstrated her genuine interest and commitment to the work.

This transition from royal life to a voiceover role at Disney is a testament to Meghan Markle’s adaptability and ambition. Her journey continues to captivate the public, illustrating the evolving nature of her and Harry’s post-royal endeavors.