King Charles Is Following in Meghan Markle's Footsteps with Huge New Announcement

He's pressing play on a whole new chapter

King Charles Netflix
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We’re used to seeing royal family members take cues from one another—especially when it comes to public appearances, fashion and even parenting tricks (Kate Middleton’s mom hack, anyone?). But King Charles’s latest move feels like it could’ve been inspired by none other than Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

The King is also heading to Netflix! The monarch is teaming up with actor Idris Elba for a new Netflix documentary that will spotlight The King’s Trust, a charity Charles founded back in 1976 (when he was still Prince of Wales). Originally called The Prince’s Trust, the organization was built using Charles’s Navy severance pay and aimed to provide funding and support for young people facing social and economic hardships.

King Charles and Idris
Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Fun fact: Idris Elba himself was one of those people. Years ago, he received a grant from the Trust to help kickstart his acting career—a moment he clearly hasn’t forgotten. In a statement announcing the project, Elba shared, “The King’s Trust gave me an opportunity that changed my life. At a time when I didn’t have the resources to pursue my ambitions, they offered real, practical support—including financial help—that helped me take those first steps to advance my career,” per The Hollywood Reporter.

The film, which hasn’t yet been titled, will follow Elba as he reconnects with the King and explores the impact of the charity over the years. It’s also timed with the Trust’s 50th anniversary and follows a growing collaboration between Elba’s own foundation and the charity, particularly focused on youth employment in Manchester.

Production kicks off next week, with a Netflix release expected in fall 2026. The doc will be produced by 22 Summers, the company Elba co-founded, and notably, the crew will include young people supported by The King’s Trust.

This marks the first time a royal—other than Prince Harry and Meghan—has worked directly with Netflix. For context: the Sussexes signed their now-famous Netflix deal back in 2020, shortly after stepping back from official royal duties. That partnership includes everything from documentaries to children’s programming.

Looks like King Charles is entering his streaming era.

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