Spotify has decided to end its podcast deal with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In a joint statement, the couple’s company and the streaming giant confirmed their mutual agreement to part ways. Spotify also stated that it would not be renewing Meghan’s podcast Archetypes for a second series. The podcast deal was one of the couple’s major commercial after they stepped back from their royal duties and moved to the United States in 2020.
Archetypes, which aired for 12 episodes starting in August 2022, featured Meghan engaging in conversations with prominent figures such as Serena Williams and Mariah Carey, discussing stereotypes faced by women. The series received the top podcast award at the People’s Choice Award in December. After the award, Meghan wrote: “I loved digging my hands into the process, sitting up late at night in bed, working on the writing and creative. “And I loved digging deep into meaningful conversation with my diverse and inspiring guests, laughing and learning with them. It has been such a labour of love.”
While the exact reason for the termination of the Spotify deal was not provided, American media reports suggest that the couple did not meet the productivity expectations set by Spotify, which may have affected the contract’s value.
The Wall Street Journal quoted an Archewell spokeswoman as saying Meghan was “continuing to develop more content for the Archetypes audience on another platform”.
Since their departure from the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan have pursued various ventures to achieve financial independence, including signing a multi-million dollar content deal with Netflix and securing a substantial contract with Penguin Books for Harry’s autobiography.
Spotify’s decision comes shortly after the company announced a restructuring of its podcast division, resulting in the elimination of 200 jobs. The streaming platform cited a strategic realignment as the reason for the restructuring after a period of significant investment in the podcasting medium.
