MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have been busy since stepping back as senior working royals.
Following the early end of her Spotify deal last year, the Duchess of Sussex is relaunching her podcast career with a new streaming network– but could face a £16million loss.
Meghan has signed with American podcast network Lemonada Media to create new content, and her old 12-episode Archetypes episodes will also be distributed by the firm.
But while her previous Spotify gig was worth around £18million, her new contract could be worth significantly less.
Branding expert Andrew Bloch told Fabulous: “The Lemonada deal is believed to be worth much less than the former Spotify deal.
“While the couple were paid around £18million by Spotify, Lemonada’s total revenue across all of its podcasts was around $8million (£6.3million) last year.”
Although the deal’s worth is not yet known, Andrew estimated: “Meghan’s new deal could be worth roughly 10 per cent of Spotify deal, so around £1.9million.”
When the Duchess of Sussex signed onto the Spotify deal, she joined the likes of former US President Barack Obama.
Meanwhile, Lemonada showcases podcasts from former Seinfeld actress Julia-Louis Dreyfus and Nickelodeon child star Jenette McCurdy.
In a statement as she signed her new deal, Meghan said: “I’m proud to now be able to share that I am joining the brilliant team at Lemonada to continue my love of podcasting.
“Being able to support a female founded company with a roster of thought provoking and highly entertaining podcasts is a fantastic way to kick off 2024.
“Our plan to re-release Archetypes so that more people can now have access to it, as well as launching a dynamic new podcast are well in the works.
“I’m so eager to be able to share it soon, and am overjoyed to be joining the Lemonada family.”
News of the new podcast came hours after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex ditched Archewell.com and replaced it with Sussex.com – in a bid to share “personal” updates with fans.
The couple still have their deal with Netflix, where they have created shows like their Harry & Meghan documentary, and the Duke of Sussex’s Heart of Invictus show.
I’m proud to now be able to share that I am joining the brilliant team at Lemonada to continue my love of podcasting
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex
Meghan’s relaunch of Archetypes comes with new branding too.
Fans were quick to spot that the podcast’s main image has changed from a green share to a pink hue, as part of the rebrand – although the image remains the same.
The cover art also now bears the Lemonada Media watermark.
This comes as Meghan is set to give a heartfelt talk on Friday for International Women’s Day, alongside a star-studded panel.
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, has been confirmed as a speaker at the SXSW Conference in Texas, which celebrates technology, film, television and music.
Meghan will take part in the Opening Day Keynote Panel, with the speakers chosen for all championing human rights and gender equality.
