Meghan Markle ‘huge hit’ with William over gift says expert
Earlier this month the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they would host a podcast produced by their own company, Archewell Audio, and hosted on Spotify. They have since made a submission to the American Patent and Trademark Office to protect the ‘Archewell Audio’ name.
The documents, which also safeguard their Archewell Foundation charity, are currently with US copyright attorneys.
They reveal Meghan and Harry are contemplating holding live stage events, which could be recordings of their new podcast.
The filings also show the couple are protecting their right to produce CDs, audiobooks, magazines and books under the Archewell brand.
Their content could be released via “satellite, global computer networks, websites, wireless devices, mobile web applications, webcasts, and on-demand streaming media”.
Meghan and Harry could hold live stage events under their Archewell brand (Image: GETTY)
Meghan and Harry announced they planned to step down as senior royals in January (Image: GETTY)
Details of what the podcasts may cover were also including in the submission.
The papers reveal Archewell Audio aims to provide: “Downloadable podcasts, audio programs, and audio books, all in the field of current and topical events, education, science, literature, racial justice, gender equity, environmental stewardship, youth empowerment, health, mental health, and commentary on topics of current and general interest.”
Harry and Meghan caused a global sensation back in January when the couple announced their intention to step down as senior members of the Royal Family.
Instead they vowed to become “financially independent” and to split their time between North America and the UK.
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Harry and Meghan will host a podcast on Spotify (Image: GETTY)
After a brief stay in Canada the Duke and Duchess moved to California, Meghan’s home state, shortly before it went into coronavirus lockdown in March.
In September Netflix announced they had signed a mega deal with Meghan and Harry.
The couple will produce films, documentaries and children’s shows for the streaming giant.
Harry is also producing a documentary on mental health with Oprah Winfrey for Apple TV.
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Harry and Meghan at their final official royal engagement in March (Image: GETTY)
The Duke and Duchess have signed a deal with streaming giant Netflix (Image: GETTY)
A report in the Sunday Times suggested the Sussexes’ arrangement with Netflix could cause trouble for with wider Royal Family with the couple coming under pressure to produce “royal-themed programming”.
It said: “Neither party has publicly talked money, but the deal is reported to be worth about £75m.
“For that kind of money, Harry and Meghan might be expected to include royal revelations in the highbrow, uplifting content they have promised.
“A nature documentary and an animated series about inspiring women are in the pipeline, but to what extent they may be pressured to provide royal-themed programming remains the stuff of nightmares in London.”
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The controversy was heightened after series five of The Crown, a hit Netflix show charting the adult life of Queen Elizabeth II, was released.
The series was attacked by critics who claimed it gave a misleading impression of the relationship between Prince Charles and his former wife, Princess Diana.
In response both Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother, and a Government minister suggested each episode should begin with a message explaining the show is fictional.
The Crown has been accused of distorting the relationship between Charles and Diana (Image: GETTY)
After the Netflix deal was agreed it was announced Meghan and Harry had repaid the £2.4m of British taxpayer’s money spent refurbishing Frogmore Cottage, their former home on the Queen’s Windsor estate.
When the Netflix deal was announced Ted Sarandos, the company’s chief executive, commented: “Harry and Meghan have inspired millions of people all around the world with their authenticity, optimism and leadership.
“We’re incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as their creative home – and are excited about telling stories with them that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere.”
