The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are taking on another role since stepping back as senior royals; they’re becoming podcasters.
Harry and Meghan have signed with streaming giant, Spotify, to produce and host podcasts through their newly formed audio production company, Archewell Audio. The multi-year partnership will produce podcasts and shows that tell stories and inspire.
“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,” the couple said in a statement.
“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.”
Their first podcast will be a holiday special hosted by themselves and featuring stories of hope and compassion from guests who the couple says, are “inspirational.”
The first complete series from Archewell Audio is expected sometime next year and will be free to stream.
Archewell is an organisation that is committed to creating compassionate communities on and offline, while also serving one’s collective wellbeing. The Greek word arche means source of action. The name was also chosen as it represents the couple’s firstborn child, Archie Harrison.
In a statement issued as the announcement was made on December 15th 2020, Spotify Chief Content and Advertising Business Officer Dawn Ostroff 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. 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. We are proud to partner with The Duke and Duchess and look forward to listeners hearing directly from them and the other creators that they will be elevating via our global platform.”
Spotify has a global reach of 144 premium subscribers and 320 million monthly active users. Other stars who have signed with the company include former US President and First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as Kim Kardashian West.
