Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face Archewell shake-up as senior executive steps down after five years

The production company remains based in California, where it holds a first-look deal with Netflix, despite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocating to Britain in August alongside their children.

How long the couple intend to remain in the UK has not been disclosed.

Ms Pysnik originally came aboard in May 2021, joining the venture less than 12 months after Archewell formally launched with its Netflix arrangement.

Meghan has meanwhile taken on a guest co-hosting role on Junior MasterChef Australia since the family’s transatlantic move.

Throughout her time at Archewell, Ms Pysnik served as executive producer across a substantial slate of projects.

The Harry & Meghan docuseries went on to become the biggest documentary premiere in Netflix’s history, while With Love, Meghan earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2026.

She also oversaw Cookie Queens, Archewell’s debut feature-length documentary, which was picked up by Roadside Attractions and had its premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

Beyond those flagship titles, Ms Pysnik’s credits under the Netflix deal encompassed the limited series Heart of Invictus, Polo and Live to Lead, as well as the short film Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within.

The breadth of output during her tenure spanned record-breaking viewership figures, awards recognition and screenings at major international festivals.

“Chanel was one of our very first hires at Archewell Productions and spearheaded the strategic framework for our unscripted endeavours,” Prince Harry and Meghan told Deadline in a joint statement.

“She brought not only her expertise into the process, but also led with her heart in telling beautiful stories. Many successful productions later, her impact and legacy at Archewell is to be celebrated. We are both championing her as she embarks on this next chapter.”

Ms Pysnik, who has not disclosed what she plans to do next, expressed deep pride in the body of work produced during her nearly six-year stint.

“It has been an honour to build Archewell Productions alongside Harry and Meghan for nearly six years,” she said.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished, both creatively and commercially, and of the company we have built. I am grateful to Harry and Meghan for their trust and the opportunity to lead Archewell Productions through such a defining period.”

Prior to her arrival at Archewell, Ms Pysnik built her career in nonfiction television at both Disney+ and CNN.

Her work at CNN included the Emmy-winning Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell.

She was also involved in producing American Dynasties: The Kennedys, The Story of Late Night, Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History and Unmasking a Killer.