Prince Harry and Meghan part ways with Spotify
Spotify and Archewell Audio, the production company founded by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, have ended their partnership less than a year after her “Archetypes” podcast debuted on the platform, the companies announced on Friday.
The companies said in a joint statement that they had “mutually agreed to part ways” and were “proud of the series” they made together.
It was unclear what led to the decision and whether the podcast would continue on another platform.
A spokeswoman for Archewell, a charitable foundation founded by the couple, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.
While Harry and Meghan’s future with Spotify is uncertain, the pair have other business ventures – namely their multi-year deal with Netflix, which will see them create documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted shows and children’s shows.
In December 2020, almost a year after Harry and Meghan relinquished their royal titles, Spotify announced the collaboration with Archewell Audio, for an undisclosed sum.
The couple, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, said in a statement at the time that they loved podcasting because it was a reminder to slow down and listen, “to connect with each other without distraction.”
“Archetypes” debuted in August 2022 and focused on exploring and dissecting the labels and tropes often attached to women in order to hold them back. Tennis superstar Serena Williams was the first guest on the podcast, on which Megan described how her son was in danger while the family was on tour in South Africa. Other guests on the 12-episode series included Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton and Issa Rae. The final episode, which focused on how men think about archetypes, was released in late November.
Archewell Audio’s decision comes at a precarious time for Spotify, which is tightening its belt. This month, the company said it planned to lay off about 200 people, including employees of popular podcast studios Gimlet Media and Parcast. The company also laid off 6 percent of its workforce, or about 600 employees, at the beginning of the year.