Meghan Markle’s planned children’s series got axed by Netflix, but the question remains, why?

The renegade royal’s expected upcoming animated series was said to be titled, “Pearl” – dealing with the story of a 12-year-old girl “on a journey of self discovery” inspired by the legacy of famous women from history. The children’s show created was still in its development stage. The show would have been Archewell Productions – which is spearheaded by the British duchess and her husband Prince Harry – first animated show.

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The show is said to have been shelved because of budget cuts amid plummeting subscriber numbers, Deadline reported Sunday.

The executive producer on the series was Elton John’s husband David Furnish.

According to the Deadline, several other planned animated Netflix series have also been axed, given the streaming giant’s financial troubles. However, the names of the other shows that were affected have not been revealed. It also remains unclear if Markle’s kiddie animated show would be picked up by any other network or streaming website.

The company has lost nearly half its value since warning in January that its subscribers were jumping ship. Last week, Netflix said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rising inflation and fierce competition lead to the loss of about 200,000 subscribers in the first quarter of 2022 calendar year. The streaming giant said it expects to lose more subscribers in the current quarter.

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Suspending service in Russia after the Ukraine invasion resulted in the loss of 700,000 members. Netflix, which currently has 221.6 million subscribers, last reported losing customers in October 2011.

The series “Pearl” was first announced last July, as the second show under the duke and duchess’ multiyear deal.

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