Spotify Ends $20 Million Podcast Deal with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

In a surprising turn of events, Spotify has decided to end its $20 million podcast deal with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The couple had only produced one 13-episode series before their separation from the firm.

The news comes three years after the agreement was signed, and both Spotify and Archwall Audio released a joint statement, stating that they had mutually agreed to part ways.

Despite the separation, they expressed pride in the series they had created together.

However, not everyone at Spotify had positive things to say about the couple.

Bill Simmons, the head of podcast innovation and monetization, openly criticized them on his own podcast.

He referred to them as “effing grifters” and expressed regret that they hadn't launched a podcast with such a controversial title.

Simmons even mentioned a Zoom call he had with Prince Harry, where he tried to help him with a podcast idea, claiming it was one of his best stories.

Simmons, who founded The Ringer, a sports and pop culture website and podcast network, didn't hold back his disdain for the couple, even when they were under contract with Spotify.

Last January, he publicly called out Prince Harry, stating that it was embarrassing to be associated with him.

Simmons expressed frustration with Prince Harry's constant complaining and interviews, questioning his relevance and contribution to the platform.

While the termination of the Spotify deal may seem like a blow to the couple, US royal correspondent Kinsey Schofield believes that Meghan Markle will pivot towards creating digital content.

Schofield emphasized that this is a challenging time for the couple as they struggle to define their identity and determine their next steps.

She suggested that becoming an influencer and producing digital content might be the way forward for Meghan.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams also criticized the end of the Spotify deal, calling it a shocking failure.

The initial plan was to produce several series, but only one was created.

Fitzwilliams highlighted that the contract's lack of success is evident, as it didn't meet the intended goals.

However, an Arch Royal Productions spokesman mentioned that Meghan is currently developing more content for a different platform, targeting the Archetype's audience.

On the other hand, PR guru Anna Grace Dunoyer believes that the termination of the Spotify deal may not be a major setback for the Sussexes.

She pointed out that considering their multiple commercial endeavors, such as the substantial deal with Netflix and Harry's contract with Penguin Books, this development could be seen as a minor bump in the road.

Dunoyer suggested that the couple's representatives have hinted at the possibility of creating more content for the Archetype's audience on another platform, indicating a flexible shift rather than a complete withdrawal from the podcasting world.

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face the end of their Spotify podcast deal, it remains to be seen how they will navigate their future in the digital content space.

While some criticize their performance and question their relevance, others believe that they have multiple opportunities ahead.

Only time will tell what path they choose to take and how they will redefine their presence in the media landscape.