Meghan Markle and Prince Harry sign exclusive podcast deal with Spotify 

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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 £75m ($100m) deal with US comedian Joe Rogan in May. 

Earlier this year, Michelle Obama launched The Michelle Obama Podcast for an undisclosed fee and had her husband on as one of her first guests. 

The Sussexes’ agreement comes just months after the royals agreed a £100million partnership with Netflix. 

This was followed by the revelation earlier this week that Meghan had invested in a new range of oat milk vegan ‘superlattes’, which sell for £21 ($28) per pack. 

Harry, 36, and former Suits actress Meghan, 39, are also set to earn as much as £770,000 ($1m) for delivering online talks – on condition of 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 retaining 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’. 

‘Inevitably, because of who they are, there will always be a market for them,’ she said. ‘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 are still members of the royal family despite stepping back from official duties and retain the titles.  

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.’ 

Dawn Ostroff, Spotify’s chief content and advertising business officer, said: ‘The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may live in California but the power of their voices rests in their status as citizens of the world.

‘That they are embracing the extraordinary capacity of podcasts on Spotify while also seeking to elevate underrepresented voices is a testament to their appreciation for the potential of audio storytelling.’

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. 

Ms Markle’s coffee investment is the first since she and Harry emigrated to pursue a private life and seek ‘financial independence’ from the royal family in California – but is still likely to ‘raise eyebrows’ at the palace, experts claim. 

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.

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.’  

How Harry and Meghan have emulated Barack and Michelle Obama’s post-White House money-making deals 

SPOTIFY

Harry and Meghan’s deal with Spotify is the latest they’ve undertaken that’s similar to Barack and Michelle Obama. 

Earlier this year, Michelle launched The Michelle Obama Podcast and had her husband on as one of her first guests.

Neither Michelle nor Spotify released details of the deal but it’s likely to rival that of Joe Rogan, Spotify’s most lucrative podcaster, who makes £74million ($100m) out of his multi-year deal. 

In announcing her podcast deal in July, Michelle said: ‘My hope is that this series can be a place to explore meaningful topics together and sort through so many of the questions we’re all trying to answer in our own lives. 

‘Perhaps most of all, I hope this podcast will help listeners open up new conversations—and hard conversations—with the people who matter most to them. That’s how we can build more understanding and empathy for one another.’ 

In announcing their podcast deal on Tuesday, Meghan and Harry said: ‘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.’  

NETFLIX

Harry and Meghan, much to the criticism of many, signed a deal to serve as producers. They’ll make documentaries and children’s series in their roles and may even appear on camera themselves. Again, no details of how much they are set to make from it have been made public.

They were widely criticized for the Netflix deal in particular, given Netflix’s portrayal of the royal family in The Crown. Among the reasons the pair claimed they quit royal life was to live more privately and without what they perceived to be press intrusion. Critics blasted them for taking money from Netflix for their producer deal when The Crown takes such a deep dive into Harry’s family’s life.

It’s similar to the Obamas’ Netflix deal that was announced in 2018. 

At the time, Michelle said in a statement: ‘Barack and I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire us, to make us think differently about the world around us, and to help us open our minds and hearts to others. 

‘Netflix’s unparalleled service is a natural fit for the kinds of stories we want to share, and we look forward to starting this exciting new partnership.’ 

In announcing their Netflix deal, Harry and Meghan said: ‘Our lives, both independent of each other and as a couple, have allowed us to understand the power of the human spirit, of courage, resilience and the need for connection. 

‘Through our work with diverse communities and their environments, to shining a light on people and causes around the world, our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope. As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us, as is powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens.’ 

One of Barack and Michelle’s documentaries – Factory – won an Oscar.    

PRIVATE SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

After Barack Obama left office, one of the ways he made money immediately was through private speaking engagements. 

In 2017, one speech to a private equity group paid him £300,000 ($400,000).

Harry and Meghan have also made money through speeches. Among their first was one at a JP Morgan conference in Miami in February. 

Again, no details of the deal have been made public.  

That is one revenue stream they don’t talk about. 

At the Miami event, Harry and Meghan were introduced by Meghan’s friend Gayle King, who is also friends with Oprah (who plugged Meghan’s new oat-milk latte brand). 

Page Six quoted an anonymous source at the time who said: ‘Harry spoke about mental health and how he has been in therapy for the past few years to try to overcome the trauma of losing his mother because he wants to protect his family.

‘He does not want Meghan and their son Archie to go through what he did as a child.’  

AND WHAT THEY’VE NOT DONE…

BIOGRAPHIES

Michelle has made millions from her autobiography, Becoming, where she talks at length about her life before Barack became president and what happened afterwards. 

Neither Harry nor Meghan has written a book about their public life. 

One has been written about them – Finding Freedom – but the pair have insisted that they did not contribute to it.  

ON-CAMERA DOCUMENTARIES

Michelle was interviewed for Becoming, a documentary to accompany her book and her speaking tour, that became a Netflix documentary. 

Harry and Meghan have not appeared in any on-camera work. They were interviewed by ITV before they left royal life but that was in 2019.