Prince Harry and Meghan Markle still have their partnership with Spotify listed on their website, in spite of the deal being dropped weeks ago. On the site for Archewell Audio, the Sussexes audio production company, they claim the collaboration will “produce programming that uplifts and entertains audiences around the world”, however it has been reported that the audio streaming service were not happy with the level of output from the couple after three years of their professional relationship.
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A joint statement released by Spotify and Archewell in June said: “Spotify and Archewell Audio have mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together.”
However the Archewell Audio website currently reads: “Under an exclusive partnership, Archewell Audio will join Spotify and their global reach—180 million Premium subscribers and 406 million monthly active users around the world—to spotlight diverse perspectives and voices.
“As part of the partnership, The Duke and Duchess through Archewell Audio produce podcasts and shows that build community through shared experiences, powerful narratives, and universal values.”
Only 12 episodes of Meghan’s podcast Archetypes were ever released, in the latter end of 2022.
Despite Meghan landing huge guests for the series, including Serena Williams, Paris Hilton and Mariah Carey, staff from Archewell told the Wall Street Journal that the show “often lacks direction”.
They added that Meghan and Harry “seem surprised by the work required to finish entertainment projects”.
On an episode of his own podcast Spotify executive Bill Simmons called the couple “grifters”, adding that he had a Zoom call with Harry to come up with new ideas.
Mr Simmons said: “What does he do? It’s one of those things where it’s like, what’s your talent? Why are we listening to you? So you were born in a royal family and then you left.”
Meghan was said to have been “distraught” by the comments but is determined to bounce back and focus on producing new projects with different partners.
According to the Wall Street Journal the Duchess aims to “develop more content for the Archetypes audience on another platform” although it is not yet clear how she plans to do this.
The Sussexes also signed a multi-year deal with Netflix in 2020, which saw them produce their hugely successful docuseries Harry & Meghan, released last December.
The show became the biggest programme of the year for the streaming platform in the UK, beating the latest series of The Crown which dropped the month before.
