In a fascinating revelation, Prince Harry shared the unique circumstances under which Meghan Markle secured a voice role in a Disney production. The journey began at the London premiere of Disney’s “The Lion King” in July 2019. The event, a glamorous affair attended by the couple shortly after the birth of their son, Archie, became a pivotal moment for Meghan’s budding voiceover career.
During the red carpet event, Prince Harry was seen engaging in a casual conversation with Disney’s then-CEO, Bob Iger. As captured in a resurfaced video, Harry mentioned to Iger that Meghan had experience with voiceovers, playfully noting her interest in such work. This seemingly light-hearted exchange was more than just a casual remark; it was a subtle pitch for Meghan’s talents. Iger, seemingly intrigued, responded positively, expressing a willingness to explore the possibility.
Interestingly, another video from the same event captured Meghan and Harry interacting with Jon Favreau, the director of the Disney remake. The couple humorously offered themselves for future voiceover projects, with Meghan jesting that they were there to pitch their skills. Harry, with his characteristic humor, clarified that they weren’t interested in voicing villainous characters like Scar, adding a light-hearted tone to the conversation.
The narrative took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that Meghan’s voiceover role was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. In fact, she had already been approached by filmmakers Mark and Vanessa Berlowitz for the Disneynature documentary “Elephant.” This project, highlighting the majestic journey of a family of elephants across Africa, was a perfect fit for Meghan, known for her passion for wildlife conservation. The collaboration was agreed upon in exchange for a donation to the conservation charity Elephants Without Borders, aligning with the couple’s commitment to philanthropic causes.
This voiceover role marked Meghan’s return to the entertainment industry after stepping down from her role as a senior royal. It was also one of the first publicized moves towards financial independence for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The recording for “Elephant” took place in the fall of 2019, and the documentary premiered on Disney+ in April 2020. Meghan’s narration brought a warm, engaging voice to the documentary, enhancing its storytelling and further solidifying her versatility as a performer.
The release of “Elephant” not only showcased Meghan’s talent but also underscored a significant shift in the couple’s public roles. By leveraging their fame for charitable endeavors, Harry and Meghan demonstrated a new path forward, balancing public life with private passions. The collaboration with Disney also hinted at their future endeavors in media and entertainment, foreshadowing projects like their deal with Netflix and Spotify.
The story behind Meghan’s involvement in “Elephant” reflects a blend of strategic planning and spontaneous opportunity. It illustrates how the couple, despite facing intense media scrutiny and navigating complex transitions, managed to carve out new roles for themselves in the public eye. As they continue to redefine their public personas, this moment at “The Lion King” premiere remains a memorable instance of their transition from traditional royal duties to modern, media-savvy figures with a global platform.
