Meghan Markle and Prince Harry today signed a lucrative podcast deal with Spotify, in the latest stage of creating what one expert predicted would be a ‘billion-dollar empire’.
The couple will produce and host their own shows as part of the newly formed Archewell Audio – starting with a ‘holiday special’ that ‘uplifts audiences around the world’.
It is not known how much the Spotify contract is worth but the streaming service agreed a $100m deal with US comedian Joe Rogan in May.
The agreement follows a £100million partnership with Netflix struck this summer, followed by the revelation earlier this week that Meghan had invested in a new range of £21-per-pack oat-milk vegan ‘superlattes’.
Harry, 35, and Meghan, 39, are also set to earn as much as £770,000 ($1million) for delivering online talks – with requirements for any details including an upfront fee and the ability to pick any moderators.
The Duke spoke at a J P Morgan event in Miami earlier this year where he received a reported six-figure sum.
The Sussexes stopped royal duties in January this year, and have been criticised for using their newly independent status to sign multi-million pound deals while holding on to their official titles.
Meanwhile, the royal biography Angela Levin has branded Harry ‘disloyal’ for taking money from Netflix when it was ‘ridiculing’ his family in popular series The Crown.
Today, the author Penny Junor warned that the couple would find it ‘very difficult’ to combine being a member of the royal family with pursuing commercial activity, because ‘there are bear traps everywhere’.
She said: ‘I’m sure it never crossed Harry and Meghan’s minds about The Crown, possibly being negative or damaging when they got their wonderful contract from Netflix.
‘But the problem is that they left those gold standard advisers when they left Buckingham Palace, when they turned their back on the help that they were getting.’
She added: ‘Inevitably, because of who they are, there will always be a market for them. It’s not even because they’re Harry and Megan, it’s because they are HRHs.
‘That adds a huge number of noughts to the end of any deal that they do. That’s not their fault. It just highlights how difficult it is to square up being a member of the royal family but earning a living outside it.’
Harry and Meghan no longer use their HRH styles, but they still retain them.
The couple’s newly formed Archewell Audio will produce programming that ‘uplifts and entertains audiences around the world’ and features ‘diverse perspectives and voices’
The announcement today means the couple are following in the footsteps of the Obamas (pictured on December 1)
A trailer clip of Archewell Audio was released today, accompanied by a short description which reads: ‘Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, present Archewell Audio. Coming soon to Spotify.’
Last year, both Barack and Michelle Obama signed their own agreements with the streaming giant for an undisclosed sum.
The slickly-produced and heavily-scripted Spotify trailer featuring the Sussexes opens with Harry saying to his wife: ‘Ladies first’ before his Meghan says: ‘No you say it first because I think it sounds really nice with your accent’.
The Duke of Sussex then says: ‘Archewell Audio’ and they say together: ‘Let’s do it’.
Prince Harry then says: ‘Hi guys, I’m Harry’ before Meghan says: ‘And I’m Meghan’, with both choosing not to use their titles.
Meghan then says: ‘One of the things my husband and I have always talked about is our passion for meeting people and hearing their stories. And no matter what the story they usually offer an understanding of where someone else is coming from. And in some way, remind you of a story about yourself’.
Harry continues: ‘And that is what this story is all about. To bring forward different perspectives and voices that perhaps you haven’t heard before. And find our common ground. Because when that happens change really is possible’.
The Duchess of Sussex says that the podcasts will be about ‘finding kindness and compassion, something we saw in some many places this year’.
She adds: ‘It will underlie everything you here on Archewell Audio – so that’s what we’re up to’.
Their first show will be a ‘holiday special’ this month will ‘feature stories of hope and compassion from inspirational guests in celebration of the new year.’
Harry and Meghan both mimic church bells before saying: ‘We can’t wait to share it with you and will be out later this month’.
Meghan says: ‘We’re talking to some amazing people who will share their memories that have helped shaped this year. As we know this has been a difficult one for everyone’.
Touching on the pandemic Harry says: ‘So many people have suffered so much pain this year, experiencing loss and a huge amount of uncertainty but it feels worth mentioning that 2020 has connected us in ways we could never have imagined. Through endless acts of compassion and kindness’.
Plugging the podcast Harry says: ‘So here’s what you need to do, tap follow right now. Go ahead, go on. Tap, follow and that way you won’t miss out and you’ll be able to hear new shows on Archewell Audio as soon as they drop’.
Finishing the trailer Meghan says: ‘We’re so excited. So follow and listen for free only on Spotify. We’ll meet you back here soon’.
Harry signs off with an American-sounding ‘happy holidays’ while Meghan ends with a British ‘cheers’.
The couple said in a statement today: ‘What we love about podcasting is that it reminds all of us to take a moment and to really listen, to connect to one another without distraction.
‘With the challenges of 2020, there has never been a more important time to do so, because when we hear each other, and hear each other’s stories, we are reminded of how interconnected we all are.’
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been embraced by the celebrity circuit after ditching royal duties in March and signed a multi-million-pound deal with Netflix to produce content that provides ‘hope and inspiration’.
One of their latest ventures was a new brand of vegan coffees, which Oprah Winfrey today promoted on her 19.2million Instagram followers in a huge favour to her friend.
The record for an advertising Instagram post was $500,000, paid to Kim Kardashian in 2015, but Mr Borkowski said Oprah’s social media video was ‘a million buck post in free publicity’ at least.
The couple will produce and host their own shows, starting with a holiday special that will be released this month
Oprah, America’s biggest TV star worth $2.6bn, described the beverage on Instagram as her ‘new drink of choice’. While its maker, Californian start-up Clevr Blends, claims it brings all kinds of health benefits, is ethical, environmentally friendly and a brand that is ‘dedicated to giving a s**t’.
Its packaging claims it boosts immunity, brain health and digestion while reducing stress and improving focus.
Meghan today made her first public appearance since revealing three weeks ago that she suffered a miscarriage in July.
In a video message for US news channel CNN from the gardens of her mansion, she saluted the ‘quiet heroes’ of the coronavirus pandemic, praising key workers and those who volunteer at food banks. Meghan, 39, and Harry, 36, have helped several charities to distribute food in Los Angeles.
Forbes said the duchess intends to invest in more women-led firms as she ‘has made gender equality one of her core causes’.
Clevr Blends has a British CEO, Hannah Mendoza, who co-founded the firm with Roger Coppola, the only man on the team.
In a statement, Meghan, who did not reveal the size of her stake, said it was to support ‘a passionate female entrepreneur who prioritises building community alongside her business’.
She added: ‘I’m proud to invest in Hannah’s commitment to sourcing ethical ingredients and creating a product that I personally love and has a holistic approach to wellness.’
Markle appearing on CNN on Monday to thank the ‘quiet heroes’ of the pandemic as it emerged that she had invested in an oat superlatte company
Meghan’s ‘neighbour’ Oprah promoted the brand on her Instagram page – a favour that experts believe is worth millions of dollars in free publicity