Harry and Meghan sign multi-year podcast deal with Spotify
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced a multi-year partnership with Spotify to produce and host podcasts that highlight and elevate diverse perspectives and voices.
The move follows the couple’s multi-million pound Netflix deal that will see them produce documentaries and feature films for the streaming service.
The couple’s latest business venture will involve Archewell Audio, their newly-formed audio-first production company, in an exclusive partnership with Spotify, producing “programming that uplifts and entertains audiences around the world”, the digital service said.
In a statement, the couple said: “What we love about podcasting is that it reminds us all 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 will host and produce podcasts, “that build community through shared experiences, narratives and values”, Spotify said.
Later this month Archewell Audio, in partnership with Spotify’s Gimlet studio, will release a holiday special hosted by the couple “that will feature stories of hope and compassion from inspirational guests in celebration of the new year”.
“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,” said Spotify chief content and advertising business officer, Dawn Ostroff.
The first complete series from Archewell Audio is expected next year. But a teaser for their upcoming holiday special is available to hear.
Earlier this week it emerged Meghan had invested in a Californian startup that makes instant oat milk lattes, Clevr Blends, which describes itself as “the world’s first instant oat milk latte”.
Meghan has been described as an “adviser” to the female-led company producing the new vegan oat latte, which is based in Montecito, where she and Harry and their son Archie now live.
In a statement, in which she did not reveal her financial stake in the company, she said it was to support “a passionate female entrepreneur who prioritises building community alongside her business”. Clevr Blends is led by British CEO, Hannah Mendoza.
Meghan 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.”
The hitherto little-known range garnered huge publicity after chat show host Oprah Winfrey, a friends of the duchess, promoted it to her 20 million Instagram followers as her “new drink of choice”. Winfrey, a guest at the Sussexes’ wedding, wrote how “on the first day of Christmas my neighbour M sent to me ... a basket of deliciousness!”. She added: “Yes, that M”, followed by a crown emoji.
As part of their agreement with Buckingham Palace when they announced they were stepping down as working royals, the couple have agreed not to involve themselves in any business ventures that could reflect badly on or compromise the monarchy.