The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are certainly no strangers to controversy – it seems to have followed them in some shape or form, since they officially stepped back from royal duties.

But even the California-based couple may now be worried about an upcoming documentary on the royal family – and what elements of their past lives it might unveil.

The programme is being made by German TV producer Ulrike Grunewald, a royal journalist with decades of experience covering the Royal Family, who has travelled to California with her team to gather insight into the lives of Harry and Meghan in Montecito.

Among those interviewed for the documentary is Richard Mineards, who covered the Royal Family for UK newspapers before moving to Meghan and Harry’s neighbourhood in California.

In his latest column, Mineards said, “Los Angeles-based produce Melanie Hillmann grilled me for two hours on my Riven Rock neighbours, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, under director Ulrike Grunewald.”

The couple claim to be protective of their privacy – and it seems that, as well as the unwanted scrutiny it may bring, former Suits actress Meghan could be fretting about details the new documentary could bring to light.

According to a source, there may be “worry” and even “panic” in the Sussexes’ camp, as there often is when a new documentary is coming out.

The source claimed, “There are many things that both of them, especially Meghan, don’t necessarily want in the public domain. It’s no secret that they both led colourful lives before they met each other, and while Harry has spoken about a lot of mistakes in his book, there are still things about Meghan we don’t know”.

Prince Harry leaving the Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 08, 2024 in London
Harry has always been dedicated to his work with the Invictus Games -Credit:Getty Images for Invictus Games
Meghan, naturally, had a life before she married Prince Harry, and was well-known on the Hollywood party scene. The source claims that there are things from her past that she’s “brushed over” – but there are people out there “willing to speak out”. And one element under examination could be the breakdown of her first marriage, something which could prove “explosive”, claims the source.

In 2011, seven years before tying the knot with Harry at Windsor Castle, Meghan married talent manager and film producer Trevor Engelson. Two years later, they separated, with the former couple’s divorce finally coming through in 2014, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the marriage breakdown. Meghan went on to meet Harry in 2016.

“Her first marriage didn’t end well and her ex-husband is yet to speak out – but who knows, for the right amount of money, he may have his say,” says the source.

Meghan Markle and her now ex-husband Trevor Engelson at the Anti-Defamation League Entertainment Industry Awards Dinner on October 11, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California
Meghan is reportedly ‘worried’ that an upcoming German documentary will explore her first marriage to producer Trevor Engleson -Credit:Getty Images
As for what other chapters from Meghan’s past may come under the spotlight, the source tells OK!, “It could also look more into her fall-out with Kate and dismiss the Sussex camp narrative that it was all Kate’s fault.

“But Harry and Meghan are now desperate to leave everything in the past as they want to start afresh and I think Harry will fear that their new happiness could be ruined if Meghan’s past is investigated.”

This all comes at a difficult time for Harry who, our source claims, may be feeling “humiliated” about the fact that his father did not make time to see him during his recent trip to Britain for the Invictus Games event.

Meghan did not accompany Harry to the UK, reportedly due to “security concerns”.

Just days later, the Sussexes embarked on a three-day visit to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games.

Patrick J. Adams and Meghan Markle in Suits
Meghan with co-star Patrick J. Adams in legal drama Suits -Credit:NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Both known for their passion for humanitarian work, the couple were due to carry out a series of engagements aimed at fostering cultural exchange as well as celebrating the spirit of resilience among service members. A packed itinerary kicked off with a tour of the Lightway Academy, a primary and secondary school in Abuja.

Visits to military rehabilitation centres, sports facilities and meetings with local organisations working to support veterans’ welfare were also scheduled.

The trip is expected to be particularly special for Harry as it underscores his dedication to the Invictus Games, the sporting event he founded for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.

This is their focus right now, claims our source, and they don’t want anything “overshadowing” that. “This is their big chance
to show they can still be royal without the full-time commitment.

“But they’re aware it’s going to ruffle a few feathers and insiders at the palace may have contributed to the new documentary as a way of keeping them down.”

However, it wouldn’t be the first time the couple have weathered a storm, and come out the other side more unified than ever.

As the source adds, ”It just makes them stronger as a couple – they feel they can overcome anything when they’re together.”