Guy Ritchie has confirmed a third series of his Netflix hit The Gentlemen, but his announcement made no mention of Meghan Markle, deepening confusion over reports that the Duchess of Sussex had been offered a role. The speculation, which surfaced last week via a Hollywood website, coincided with news that Meghan and Prince Harry are relocating to the UK with their children for an indefinite period, prompting some commentators to suggest the casting rumour was a deliberately timed publicity manoeuvre.

Variety confirmed the new series is going ahead, with Ritchie again directing and co-writing alongside Matthew Read, though casting has not been announced and Netflix declined to comment on Meghan's involvement. Royal author Tina Brown claimed any offer to Meghan had already been withdrawn amid intense backlash, while PR expert Mark Borkowski argued the story bore the hallmarks of a "pseudo event" designed to generate attention during a quiet August news cycle. Meghan, 45, previously starred in Suits, and continued her own publicity efforts this week with a new Instagram video for her As Ever brand.