Meghan Markle and Prince Harry sign exclusive podcast deal with Spotify 

Harry and Meghan expand their empire: Couple sign lucrative podcast deal with Spotify – starting with a ‘holiday special’ that ‘uplifts audiences around the world’ – as they build their brand just months after £100m Netflix contract

  • Couple will produce and host their own shows, starting with a holiday special that will be released this month
  • Announcement said the royals will create content that ‘uplifts and entertains audiences around the world’
  • It’s the step in couple’s bid to create a ‘billion-dollar brand’ after Netflix deal and new range of vegan coffee 
  • Royal author Penny Junor today said they faced ‘bear traps’ trying to square being royals with making money  

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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.  

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.’ 

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’.    

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 couple's newly formed Archewell Audio will produce programming that 'uplifts and entertains audiences around the world' and features 'diverse perspectives and voices'

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), with Michelle hosting her own Spotify podcast series

The announcement today means the couple are following in the footsteps of the Obamas (pictured on December 1), with Michelle hosting her own Spotify podcast series

The announcement today means the couple are following in the footsteps of the Obamas (pictured on December 1), with Michelle hosting her own Spotify podcast series

‘It sounds really nice with your accent’: Harry and Meghan introduce their new Archewell Audio podcast that will feature ‘stories of hope and compassion’ and reveal first episode will be a ‘holiday special’ 

The slickly-produced and heavily-scripted Spotify trailer featuring the Sussexes was released online this afternoon.

It 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 royal 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’.

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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 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. 

The Sussexes’ 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.

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.  

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 couple (seen in a talk from October) will produce and host their own shows, starting with a holiday special that will be released this month

The couple (seen in a talk from October) will produce and host their own shows, starting with a holiday special that will be released this month

The couple (seen in a talk from October) will produce and host their own shows, starting with a holiday special that will be released this month

Meghan (pictured) 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 (pictured) 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

Meghan's 'neighbour' Oprah promoted the brand on her Instagram page - a favour that experts believe is worth millions of dollars in free publicity

Meghan (pictured left) 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 (pictured right) promoted the brand on her Instagram page – a favour that experts believe is worth millions of dollars in free publicity

The big name celebrities who already have high-profile podcasts on Spotify 

Harry and Meghan are the latest high profile name to take up podcasting on streaming service Spotify.

The Swedish media service is already home to the podcasts of big names, including Michelle Obama.

The former First Lady of America hosts The Michelle Obama Podcast on the platform after her production studio Higher Ground signed a major deal with Spotify last year.

It features Mrs Obama diving deep into conversations with loved ones — family, friends, and colleagues.

Grounded with Louis Theroux is also extremely popular.

The BBC podcast on the streaming service sees the documentary maker sit down for a talk with big names, such as actress Helena Bonham Carter.

US talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who lives near the Sussexes, has also launched the popular Oprah’s Supersoul Conversations, while Stricly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman also has a podcast on Spotify, in which she discusses topics around family issues with clinical psychologist Professor Tanya Byron.

Other celebrity podcasts on the streaming service include Happy Place by Fearne Cotton and Castaway by Love Island host Laura Whitmore. 

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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.’  

Spotify: The Swedish streaming service which took the music world by storm in just 14 years – and is now turning to podcasts 

 Just 14 years ago, Spotify was founded. Today it has a staggering 320million monthly active users.

The meteoric rise began in Stockholm, Sweden in 2006, when the company was co-founded by Daniel Ek, the former boss of popular fashion-based browser game Stardoll, and Martin Lorentzon, co-founder of digital marketing firm Tradedoubler.

By 2009, the company had reached the UK, with a free registration service for users to be listen to music. Its popularity surged after the release of its mobile service. By March 2011, five years after it was founded, Spotify had one million paying subscribers across Europe. Within six months, that number had doubled.

In the same year, Spotify launched in the US, again to great success. By 2012, the streaming service had 15 million active users, four million being paying Spotify subscribers.

Subscription figures continued to grow at a huge rate, more than doubling by 2014. By 2016 it had 40 million paying subscribers and 100 million total users. 

The owners of Spotify, Spotify AB, was floated on the New York Stock Exchange as a publicly traded company in 2018, after the company made losses of nearly €1bn (£870m) over the previous three years.

Despite being floated publicly, Spotify did not issue new stock when being floated in 2018, instead selling shares that were held by its private investors. The aim of the scheme was to raise investment for its expansion plans.  

Last year the £28billion company posted an operating profit of €54million (about $60 million) – only the third time in its history it had posted a profit. 

As of October 2020, the platform has 320million monthly users, including 144 million paying subscribers.

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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.’  

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

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

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

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.’ 

Harry and Meghan, much to the criticism of many, signed a deal to serve as Netflix producers

Harry and Meghan, much to the criticism of many, signed a deal to serve as Netflix producers

Harry and Meghan, much to the criticism of many, signed a deal to serve as Netflix producers

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.’  

In February, Harry and Meghan were the keynote speakers at a JP Morgan summit at the 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami

In February, Harry and Meghan were the keynote speakers at a JP Morgan summit at the 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami

In February, Harry and Meghan were the keynote speakers at a JP Morgan summit at the 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami 

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.  

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 said on record that they did not contribute to it.

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 said on record that they did not contribute to it.

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 said on record that they did not contribute to it.

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 said on record that they did not contribute to it.

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 said on record 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.  

It pays to have good friends! Oprah Winfrey’s Instagram post promoting Duchess of Sussex’s coffee was ‘a million dollar post in free publicity’ 

Oprah Winfrey‘s decision to promote Meghan Markle‘s new range of vegan coffee to her 19.2million Instagram followers was worth at least $1million and is probably the most valuable piece of free publicity in history, experts told MailOnline today.

PR guru Mark Borkowski told MailOnline the $28-per-pack oat-milk ‘superlattes’ are the first ‘baby steps’ towards Meghan and Harry building a billion dollar brand for themselves in the US. 

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.

He said: ‘Having Oprah Winfrey endorse your product is the golden ticket in global advertising for any company. Oprah is also very choosy about what she promotes and for a new company to launch a new product, reaching that many people, would cost millions of dollars – and the best thing for Meghan is that in this case many people who saw it won’t feel like they are being sold something at all. Having a friend like Oprah is something money can’t buy and it will lead to the product flying off the shelves’. 

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.  

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