Search icon

Books

08th Aug 2023

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle working on film adaption of bestselling novel

Kat O'Connor

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s next project has been announced and the pair are adapting a best-selling novel for Netflix.

The couple’s company Archewell Productions has purchased the rights to Meet Me At The Lake by Carley Fortune.

The novel follows a couple who meet in their 30s and features heavy themes including childhood trauma, losing a parent, and drug use.

It also features topics including post-natal depression and mental health struggles.

The blurb reads:

‘Fern Brookbanks has wasted far too much of her adult life thinking about Will Baxter. She spent just twenty-four hours in her early twenties with the aggravatingly attractive, idealistic artist, a chance encounter that spiraled into a daylong adventure in Toronto. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable: they shared every secret, and every dream, and made a pact to meet one year later. Fern showed up. Will didn’t.’

According to The Sun, the pair wanted to acquire the rights because they were gripped by the novel. It also reflects parts of their own love story.

Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly paid €3.4 million for the rights.

“The themes of the book gripped the couple and it was chosen for their first adaptation with Netflix.”

The book sold an incredible 37,000 copies in its first week and has become a fan-favourite on Booktok. Readers are keen to see how the story will play out on the big screen with many admitting they’re nervous about the adaption.

However, author Carley Fortune is overjoyed by the news. She said, “I never thought I’d be making this announcement, but since I am, it feels fitting that I’m doing it from the cottage where it all began.

“I’m thrilled to confirm that I’m teaming up with Netflix and Archewell Productions on the adaption of Meet Me at the Lake. Will and Fern’s love story is dear to my heart, and I can’t imagine a more perfect partnership.”

The author said writing Meet Me At The Lake was “a tremendous personal challenge”.

READ MORE