A multi-million-dollar deal between streaming giant Spotify and a media group run by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan has ended by mutual agreement, according to the two parties.
Key points:
- The deal, which was signed in 2020 for a reported $29 million, is ending
- Meghan Markle’s show, Archetypes, topped podcast charts in a number of markets
- Trade title Variety, citing an unnamed source, reported that Spotify had been expecting more material
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have produced just one series under their Archewell Audio podcast imprint since inking the agreement in 2020 for a reported $US20 million ($29 million).
That show, the duchess’ Archetypes, has topped podcast charts for Spotify in a number of markets, with listeners flocking to her discussions with influential women.
But the two sides said in a joint statement the deal was coming to an end.
“Spotify and Archewell Audio have mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series that we made together,” the statement said.
Trade title Variety, citing an unnamed source, reported on Thursday that Spotify had been expecting more material.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were looking to find a new home for their content, Variety said, citing another source.
Prince Harry, the younger son of King Charles, married former actress Meghan in 2018 in a blaze of positive coverage.
But relations between the couple and the royal family soured over the following years, with accusations the duchess was subjected to racism.
Prince Harry and his wife stepped back from royal life and relocated to California, from where they have continued to criticise the Firm.
Most explosively, there has been a tell-all autobiography from the 38-year-old prince, a Netflix docuseries, and a high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Since quitting royal duties, the couple has sought to make money through media ventures.
AFP