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 In two weeks, the first scripts were written for "Harry &
Meghan: A Royal Romance," a dramatization of their courtship
that will premiere on May 13 as the jewel in the crown of a week
of Lifetime programming ahead of the May 19 royal wedding in
England.
Starring Scottish actor Murray Fraser as Harry and American
Parisa Fitz-Henley as Markle, the television film is based on
known events in the couple's almost two-year romance, including
their appearances together, Markle's public speeches and entries
from her former lifestyle blog The Tig.
It also weaves in imagined scenes, including their first blind
date, an argument, a sex scene, Harry's proposal and events with
key members of Britain's royal family, including the late
Princess Diana; Harry's brother, Prince William; William's wife;
Kate Middleton, Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth.
"There is so much drama in the real story we didn't have to make
a lot up," said co-writer Terrence Coli.
Shot mostly in Toronto, where Markle was based while shooting
the TV series "Suits," the makers say the TV film is motivated
by warmth and admiration for the couple. It follows a Lifetime
biopic made for the 2011 wedding of William and Kate.
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"One of the reasons that we love them so much is because they are a
unifying force in a very divisive time," said co-writer Scarlett
Lacey.
Fraser, who had to drop his broad Scottish accent to play Harry,
said he did not want to do a mere copycat of the tall, ginger-haired
prince.
"I really wanted to see him as a human being who just happens to be
a prince," Fraser said.
Fitz-Henley said she saw Markle as "a really great example of
confidence."
Markle and Harry were not consulted in the making of the film, but
the producers say the couple are aware of it and the producers hope
they will see it.
"We admire them as a couple, so we hope they watch it and they think
it is funny and sweet," said Michele Weiss, one of the executive
producers.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant and Rollo Ross; Editing by Leslie Adler)
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