Barack and Michelle Obama are advising Harry and Meghan on how to make the most of their star power: Source
Former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama are reportedly advising Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their plans for a new life outside the royal family.
The report comes amidst the shock announcement made by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on January 8, stating that they were withdrawing from their royal duties and were working to become financially independent from the royal family.
Harry and Meghan have reportedly become close friends with the Obamas and have turned to them for assistance during this testing time.
The Sussexes desire to model themselves on the Obamas, whose star power has only risen after they left the White House, according to the Daily Mail.
Michelle's autobiography 'Becoming', released in 2019, sold 1.4 million copies in its first week and is set to become the biggest-selling autobiography of all time.
The former first couple has also formed a production company and signed a deal to make films documentaries with Netflix.
The Obamas aim to produce a series of worthy "humanistic projects", attracting participants using their 'star power' has significantly appealed to Meghan.
Meanwhile, Harry has already collaborated on an Apple TV series on mental health with friend and talk show host Oprah Winfrey.
The outlet quotes sources confirming that the Sussexes had discussed their plans with the Obamas and wanted to follow a similar trajectory to theirs in an attempt to build a successful but dignified life for themselves.
"They have found huge commercial success without actually looking like they are getting their hands dirty, to put it bluntly, and retaining their popularity," the source said. "In fact, it is fair to say that their star has soared since leaving the White House, particularly Michelle’s, and this is something Meghan admires very, very much."
Harry has been friends with the Obamas for years and has bonded with them over humanitarian and military issues. They even participated in a video skit with the Queen to publicize Invictus Games meant for injured military personnel and veterans.
Meghan is also reportedly close friends with Michelle and had secretly attended her talk in London in 2018. She had also interviewed the former first lady in collaboration with British Vogue.