Moment Prince Harry touts wife Meghan for a Disney voiceover job during Lion King premiere
THIS is the astonishing moment Prince Harry appears to lay the groundwork for his wife's Disney voiceover deal six months ago.
He was filmed revealing Meghan Markle's interest to Bob Iger, the Disney chief at the London premiere of the Lion King in July.
The Duke, 35, pointed to his wife and said in hushed tones: "You do know she does voiceovers?"
Mr Iger, looking surprised, replies "ah I did not know that", before Harry continues "you seem surprised, she's really interested".
The Disney bigwig says: "We'd love to try. That's a great idea."
And this week it emerged Meghan has signed a deal with Disney in return for a donation to a wildlife charity.
The Duchess of Sussex will do the voiceover to help fund Elephants Without Borders, an organisation that helps to track and protect the animals from poaching.
News of the voiceover deal suggests the former Suits actor might be looking to return to Hollywood as a way of gaining financial independence.
Last year the Sussexes announced on Instagram Disney had made a substantial donation to their wildlife charity work.
And at the same premiere in July, Meghan offered a hint she was having a hard time as a Royal.
She told the singer and producer Pharrell Williams, "They don't make it easy".
You do know she does voiceovers?
Prince Harry
During the premiere in London's Leicester Square the couple met the film's cast and crew as well as representatives from African Parks, the conservation organisation which counts the duke as a patron.
Earlier in the year Disney had honoured the Royal couple with a watercolour Winnie-the-Pooh animation to celebrate the birth of the new royal baby.
Hand-drawn by senior principal artist Kim Raymond, the beautiful painting shows the world's favourite bear delivering a book to Archie.
Experts said becoming brand ambassadors for global giants such as Apple could see Prince Harry and Meghan earn tens of millions annually.
A nine-figure sum each year - $100million - would add up to $1billion (£760) over a decade.
MAKING WAVES
UK branding expert Claire Shiels said the couple’s value could quickly challenge the Beckhams, worth £700million.
According to the , senior members of the royal family accused Harry and Meghan of already signing a deal with "firms including Disney" in tense talks before Christmas.
It comes days after Harry and Meghan announced they are stepping down as senior royals and plan to spend much of their time abroad.
The news took Buckingham Palace by surprise, with the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William, 37, given 10 minutes notice before the button was pressed.
The Duke, 35, and Duchess, 38, said in their surprise statement on January 8: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution."
The Queen was said to be "disappointed" by Harry and Meghan's bombshell announcement after no other members of the Royal Family were consulted before the news was released.
Meghan flew to Britain on Monday after the couple spent six weeks away over Christmas.
But she has already returned to their luxury bolthole on Vancouver Island, Canada.
It is rumoured Harry may fly to Canada to join his her as early as next week and there are fears he may never live in the UK ever again.
This comes as it has emerged the couple’s two dogs have stayed in North America after flying out with them for their Christmas break – in another clue that the break could be permanent.