Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have secured a new multi-million deal with Spotify to produce a series of podcasts and audio projects under their newly-formed Archewell Audio productions.
In a joint statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said that their Spotify podcasts will focus on "powerful, diverse voices and perspectives." Their first podcast show will be out before the end of 2020, according to CBS.
Meghan and Harry's podcast debut will tell "stories of hope and compassion" with a few inspirational guests. The chief content of Spotify, Dawn Ostroff, said that they could not be prouder of the partnership with the Sussexes because they are "citizens of the world."
According to Daily Mirror, Meghan was able to broker $40 Million (£30 million) for this Spotify deal. She apparently met with the executives to deliver a clear vision of what they want for their podcasts.
Their podcast will feature former First Lady Michelle Obama in one of the episodes. Insiders in Buckingham Palace said that the royal family is aware of Archewell Audio, but no one was privy to the money involved.
Following the announcement, Meghan and Harry released a teaser of their very first podcast show, where they sang a Christmas carol. The couple could also be heard joking and flirting with each other in the unscripted audio program.
Meghan complimented her husband by saying he has a podcast voice. The couple also greeted their listeners a happy holiday.
The news comes as Meghan and Harry are set to do more public appearances in 2021 and get the ball rolling for their work under Archewell. Sources said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are "optimistic and excited" for next year. The source also implied that Harry and Meghan would be moving away from the type of royal work they used to do.
Harry and Meghan will not be leaving for the United Kingdom anytime soon. According to Daily Mail, the Duke of Sussex has been away from his homeland for 265 days, which is a few days more than the time he spent in Africa and Australia during his gap year in 2005.
However, Harry and Meghan are due for a review of their status as working royals with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and Prince William by the end of March 2021. Royal observers said that the Sussex won't be reinstated in the Firm after Queen Elizabeth unveiled her new senior royals line-up for 2021.
