Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan
Million dollar podcast deal with Spotify is idle
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have planned various projects in the United States.
© imago / UPI Photo
What happened to Harry and Meghan’s multi-million dollar podcast deal with Spotify? No content was produced this year.
The Spotify podcast “Archewell Audio” by Prince Harry (37) and Duchess Meghan (40) is missing. In 2021, no content was produced for it, although the Sussex couple had promised to use it to “build a community through shared experiences and values”. There was even talk of a whole series.
Neither the ex-royals nor the audio streaming service can confirm whether they still have a partnership, like “Mail Online” reports. The £ 18 million podcast deal (the equivalent of around EUR 21 million) is said to have been put to the test on Thursday.
Harry and Meghan, who signed the lucrative contract last year, have been completely inconspicuous on the platform since December 15. So far they are said to have produced only 35 minutes of content for their “Archewell Audio” channel, which was developed by Spotify with Gimlet Studios.
Great plans
According to a Spotify press release from December last year, however, big things were planned. At that time it was said: “‘Archewell Audio’ will use the global reach of Spotify – with 144 million premium subscribers and 320 million monthly active users – to bring strong and diverse voices and perspectives to the fore.” It also said: “‘Archewell Audio’ and Spotify studio Gimlet will release their first offering: a Christmas special, hosted by the Duke and Duchess, containing stories of hope and compassion from inspiring guests to celebrate the New Year . ” But that’s not all: “In 2021 the two podcasts will be producing and moderating, which will build a community through shared experiences and values.”
The first complete series should therefore appear in 2021 and can be streamed for free. In an interview with talk queen Oprah Winfrey (67), Prince Harry said that he was persuaded to sign the contract after he was financially cut off from the royal family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a joint statement after signing the deal with Spotify: “What we love about podcasting is that it reminds us all to take a moment and really listen to ourselves to connect without distraction. “
Prince Harry and his family resigned as senior royals in early 2020 and have lived in the United States ever since.