Meghan Markle and Prince Harry sign exclusive podcast deal with Spotify 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have signed an exclusive podcast deal with Spotify, following in the footsteps of the Obamas to add to their £100million agreement with Netflix. 

They will produce and host their own shows, starting with a holiday special that will be released this month. 

The couple’s newly formed Archewell Audio will produce programming that ‘uplifts and entertains audiences around the world’ and features ‘diverse perspectives and voices,’ the Swedish firm said today. 

Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. 

The couple said in a statement: ‘What we love about podcasting is that it reminds all of us to take a moment and to really listen, to connect to one another without distraction. 

‘With the challenges of 2020, there has never been a more important time to do so, because when we hear each other, and hear each other’s stories, we are reminded of how interconnected we all are.’ 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been embraced by the celebrity circuit after ditching royal duties in March and signed a multi-million-pound deal with Netflix to produce content that provides ‘hope and inspiration’. 

One of their latest ventures was a new brand of vegan coffees, which Oprah Winfrey today promoted on her 19.2million Instagram followers in a huge favour to her friend. 

The record for an advertising Instagram post was $500,000, paid to Kim Kardashian in 2015, but Mr Borkowski said Oprah’s social media video was ‘a million buck post in free publicity’ at least.

Oprah, America’s biggest TV star worth $2.6bn, described the beverage on Instagram as her ‘new drink of choice’. While its maker, Californian start-up Clevr Blends, claims it brings all kinds of health benefits, is ethical, environmentally friendly and a brand that is ‘dedicated to giving a s**t’. 

Its packaging claims it boosts immunity, brain health and digestion while reducing stress and improving focus. 

Meghan today made her first public appearance since revealing three weeks ago that she suffered a miscarriage in July.

In a video message for US news channel CNN from the gardens of her mansion, she saluted the ‘quiet heroes’ of the coronavirus pandemic, praising key workers and those who volunteer at food banks. Meghan, 39, and Harry, 36, have helped several charities to distribute food in Los Angeles.

Forbes said the duchess intends to invest in more women-led firms as she ‘has made gender equality one of her core causes’. 

Clevr Blends has a British CEO, Hannah Mendoza, who co-founded the firm with Roger Coppola, the only man on the team. 

In a statement, Meghan, who did not reveal the size of her stake, said it was to support ‘a passionate female entrepreneur who prioritises building community alongside her business’.

She added: ‘I’m proud to invest in Hannah’s commitment to sourcing ethical ingredients and creating a product that I personally love and has a holistic approach to wellness.’