Jacinda Ardern only found out she was in Duke and Duchess of Sussex Netflix film when trailer was released

Jacinda Ardern said she only found out she would be appearing in a new Netflix documentary about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when the trailer was released.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand will play a key role in Live to Lead, a project that will follow Harry & Meghan – the controversial glimpse into the couple’s life that landed on the subscription service this month.

Netflix billed Live to Lead as an inspirational feature about “leaders committed to making a difference in the world.” [sharing] their inspiring life stories”.

Ms Ardern is a prominent part of the trailer but said on Wednesday she has not spoken to the Sussexes about the use of her picture. The footage, she said, is from a November 2019 interview with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

She told reporters, “They produced resources for future leaders with a focus on young leaders.

“I was not involved in the decision making of what happens next and I had no direct contact with the Sussexes.”

Ms Ardern said she stands by the 2019 recordings but there have been no follow-up communications from the former royals. She only became aware of the depth of her commitment on Tuesday when the trailer was released.

Live to Lead is available to watch on Netflix from December 31st.

Prince Harry says in the trailer: “This was inspired by Nelson Mandela who once said what counts in life isn’t the mere fact that we’ve lived…” Meghan, Duchess of Sussex continues, “It’s the difference that we have made the lives of others determine the meaning of the lives we lead.”

According to Netflix, Live to Lead “highlights the core values, daily disciplines, and guiding principles that leaders use to motivate others and create meaningful change.”

The documentary will also feature archival interviews with environmental activist Greta Thunberg, South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi, feminist icon Gloria Steinem and anti-apartheid activist Albie Sachs.

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The statement added: “Live to Lead is a Nelson Mandela Foundation project created and directed by Geoff Blackwell and executive produced by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”

As part of her commitment to the Foundation, Ms. Ardern’s interview was published as a book in March 2020 entitled I Know This to Be True.

A statement from her office added: “In May this year, the Prime Minister’s Office was notified that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would present the series; noting that this was almost two and a half years after the interview was recorded and already granted permission for use by the Mandela Foundation.”