Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HARRY & MEG WANT A META WORLD
Couple planning deal to join new virtual universe
PRINCE Harry and wife Meghan are planning to build their own world in a new virtual universe in an effort to reach millions more fans.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in talks with an award-winning technology company launching the world’s first public “land sale” in the metaverse – the next evolution of the internet.
They are set to follow in the footsteps of celebrities like singer Justin Bieber, rapper Snoop Dogg and socialite Paris Hilton in joining the virtual universe.
Visitors wear headsets to immerse themselves in a virtual world mimicking aspects of the physical world using technology like virtual and augmented reality.
Goods, services and land on which to build your own world must be bought with digital currency such as Bitcoin.
The new deal could take many forms, including gaming, online communities and business meetings where Meghan and Harry could appear as digital avatars of themselves.
A source close to them said: “Both Meghan and Harry believe there will be an even greater ability to spread their message if they have a presence in the virtual world as well as the physical world. They’ve spoken to a variety of experts and the view is this is the next stage to take their brand truly global.”
After they quit royal duties, the late Queen banned the couple from using their royal titles for commercial gain.
In 2020, Harry and Meghan launched their charitable foundation Archewell, aiming to “unleash the power of compassion to drive systematic cultural change”.
The pair have signed deals worth over £100million with streaming giants Netflix and Spotify, which makes Meghan’s global number one podcast, Archetypes.
The Mirror can reveal the organisation is in advanced talks with pax.world to launch the next stage of their brand business – dubbed the “Meg-averse” as Meghan is said to be the driving force.
The tech firm is offering “immersive, life-like experiences” in a 3D world, such as highly-detailed business centres where Harry and Meghan could hold events, meetings and talks for fans. An industry insider with knowledge of the deal said: “Harry and Meghan have already gone global. This would take them into a different stratosphere.”
Pax.world’s founder Frank
Fitzgerald said: “We’re offering Harry and Meghan a plot of prime pax.world land and the chance to collaborate with the world’s leading architects, build on it, and connect with new audiences.
“If they are to pursue business and entertainment deals, position themselves as thought leaders, and progress their charity work, they must partner with a platform that shares their values.
“Imagine Meghan hosting a podcast in the metaverse, or Harry hosting a conference on sustainability with world leaders without having to board a plane.”
Facebook has changed its corporate name to Meta and plans to spend £10bn on creating its own metaverse platform. Mr Fitzgerald added: “The metaverse is tailor-made for the progressive, tech-savvy, entrepreneurial audience with whom Harry and Meghan look to connect as they turn a new page, away from the
Royal Family.”
This is the next stage to take their brand truly global