Moving tribute to Princess Diana a highlight of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s launch of their website for Archewell
Days after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle launched their new podcast to a lukewarm reception, the pair unveiled their new website with a call for “compassion” in 2021.
Royals
Don't miss out on the headlines from Royals. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A moving tribute to Princess Diana was a highlight of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s launch of their website for Archewell.
The Sussexes shared pictures of Harry with Diana and Meghan with her mum, Doria Ragland, alongside a short letter to 2021.
“I am my mother’s son. And I am our son’s mother. Together we bring you Archewell,” the pair say in the letter.
“We believe in the best of humanity. Because we have seen the best of humanity. We have experienced compassion and kindness.
“From our mothers and strangers alike. In the face of fear, struggle and pain, it can be easy to lose sight of this.
“Together, we can choose courage, healing, and connection. Together, we can choose to put compassion in action.
“We invite you to join us. As we work to build a better world. One act of compassion at a time.”
The launch came as news emerged that their much-hyped Christmas special podcast with Sir Elton John launched this week had a less than impressive debut in the Spotify charts.
The Sussexes’ podcast limped into 17th position, behind a podcast of whale sounds designed to help babies get to sleep. By New Year’s Eve, it had crawled up to number 7 in the UK.
In the US where they now live, it went into the charts at No 68 before rising to 26.
Critics branded the 34-minute podcast “nauseating”, according to The Sun.
They said asking super-rich pals how they coped with lockdown showed just how “out of touch” they were with normal people.
Sir Elton John told how he cut short a tour after coronavirus hit the UK — but he still pocketed $A115 million.
And Gavin and Stacey star James Corden, now host of the Late Late Show, said he could spend more time with his kids at their $A13.5 million mansion.
The couple’s ability to sign mega-deals could be hampered if the Spotify venture is seen as a flop.
Harry and Meghan have also announced partnerships between their foundation and several tech and research-focused groups to pursue their aims.
The organisations include the Center for Humane Technology which works to create more compassionate online communities, The Sun reports.
It comes after Prince Harry slammed social media as a “crisis of hate” while Meghan revealed the trolling she had received online was “almost unsurvivable”.
The website also promoted the couple’s Spotify and Netflix deals that are under the umbrella of Archewell.
Harry and Meghan have also announced partnerships between their foundation and several tech and research-focused groups to pursue their aims.
It comes days after they gave son Archie a voice on their $A53 million podcast debut — coaxing him to say “Happy New Year” in an American accent.
ARCHIE’S WORLD DEBUT ON PODCAST LAUNCH
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s toddler son Archie was heard speaking for the first time, as the couple released their new podcast.
Speaking in an American accent, Archie Harrison giggles and wishes listeners “Happy New Year” at the end of the couple’s debut on the Spotify audio streaming platform.
The appearance of 18-month-old Archie comes after the couple have launched a spate of legal actions against the media over alleged breaches of their privacy, while revealing aspects of their private life in ways they control.
This was the first episode after the couple earlier this month announced a deal with Spotify to record “uplifting and entertaining stories”.
Since ceasing royal duties and moving to California this year, the couple have launched various creative ventures, including a deal with the streaming giant Netflix.
For the podcast, they asked famous friends including the singer Elton John, television presenter James Corden, and New Age guru Deepak Chopra to make recordings talking about their experiences coping with the pandemic and hopes for next year.
“Our collective mental health has been at the forefront of people’s minds, and rightly so,” says Harry, who along with Markle narrates and links the items.
“It’s been an awful time for people. I hope we can heal in 2021,” says Elton John, who described 2020 as “the worst year I’ve ever known, and I’m 73.” “Cheers to that, Elton,” says Harry.
The couple also talk about their feelings for each other.
“Trust us when we say: love wins,” Meghan says.
“Love always wins,” Harry chimes in.
The podcast ends with a gospel song played at the couple’s wedding, This Little Light of Mine.
Former Suits actor Markle earlier this month settled a claim against a news agency that took photographs of her and Archie in a Canadian park.
She wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times in November revealing that she had a miscarriage with her second pregnancy.
Meghan, 39, and Harry, 36, signed a $A53 million audio content deal with Spotify to host and produce podcasts.
Opening the podcast, Harry and Meghan – who are now based in California – paid tribute to healthcare and frontline workers for their “sacrifices” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meghan honoured those who lost loved ones and lived through “uncertainty and unthinkable loss”, while Harry addressed the “lessons learned” this year and “how important it is to take care of one another”.
Archewell Audio’s holiday special from The Duke and Duchess of Sussex offers hope, reflection, and honest conversations as we put 2020 behind us and look ahead ✨https://t.co/NlM2LsaP6h
— Spotify (@Spotify) December 29, 2020
Harry and Meghan’s first podcast episode ends with a special guest appearance from their son Archie!
— Ellie Hall (@ellievhall) December 29, 2020
He joins his parents in wishing listeners a Happy New Year: pic.twitter.com/aGG1xZqinS
Listening to Prince Harry and Meghan’s podcast. I really love how they just focused on their guests and their messages of hope and then to have Archie at the end saying “Happy new yearâ€.
— Myra (@SussexPrincess) December 29, 2020
Bro they sound so happy and fulfilled, they deserve that shit ðŸ˜â¤ï¸ #ArchewellAudio pic.twitter.com/F6ru5gF6p9
“No matter what life throws at you guys, trust us when we say love wins,” Meghan told listeners.
Introducing the episode, Harry said: “We’re glad you’re here. As we all know, it’s been a year. And we really want to honour the compassion and kindness that has helped so many people get through it.”
“And in too many instances people weren’t able to be at a loved one’s side or say goodbye as they would have wished.”
Little Archie stealing the show on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first episode of their new podcast, Archewell Audio 🥰pic.twitter.com/zhQOVnxGFz
— Dionne Grant (@DionneGrant) December 29, 2020
Just found out that Harry and Meghan are starting a podcast?? Can’t wait to learn they used MailChimp for their royal wedding invites and use promo code “Sussex10†for 10% off
— Matthew Morrow (@matthew__morrow) December 27, 2020
MEGXIT
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are planning face-to-face talks over an extension to their 12-month Megxit deal.
According to The Sun, the couple want a more permanent agreement to continue as non-working royals in California despite sealing recent deals with Netflix and Spotify.
The Sun reports they will make video calls to senior royals next month before Harry heads back to the UK, possibly with Markle.
The deal with Buckingham Palace expires on March 31 and royal aides are expected to analyse their Netflix and Spotify deals to ensure they meet “the values of Her Majesty”.
The Duke and Duchess reportedly said to be keen to hold on to their royal patronages, despite taking on more commercial commitments in the US.
It comes as royal biographer Andrew Morton told The Sun they want to return for the Queen’s 95th birthday on April 21, the Duke of Edinburgh’s 100th in June and the unveiling of a statue of Princess Diana on July 1 — which would have been her 60th birthday.
He said: “Although they will do some of it by Zoom, Harry wants to meet face-to-face to tie it all up.
“Things seem to have calmed down. Harry has been in contact with the Queen more often than you would think. But certain things you need to be there in person to sort. They will need a few weeks. That could be done after April, depending on COVID.”
The couple angered royals in January last year by announcing on Instagram they would “step back as ‘senior’ members” of the Royal Family. A deal was subsequently agreed at Sandringham, including this 12-month review.
While William did not speak with Harry for “many months” after that deal, the “Mextension” will be hammered out by senior royals.
But a top aide warned: “Expect things to drag past March 31. The Sussexes have laid their stall out very clearly.” As for Harry’s military posts, an insider said: “Harry regrets losing those titles and keeping them open for as long as possible keeps that olive branch out.
“Don’t be surprised if they are not filled even after March 31.”
There were calls, too, for them to be replaced as president and vice-president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. But a spokesman for the charity said Harry and Meghan remain “as committed as ever.”
Morton added: “You could see the trauma etched on their faces. They were barely on speaking terms with William and Charles.
“If Harry had a real regret, it was how he handled the announcement of stepping back.
“He pushed the Queen and his father into a corner and it made the whole thing far more dramatic.
“There was a period when Harry was uncertain, but not any more. He is loving life in the sunshine, the pace of life and lack of formality. This is what he has dreamt of for a long time.
“The rift between the two brothers is healing. It has been a good year and a bad year — court cases, paparazzi and, most difficult, Meghan having a miscarriage.
“But Covid has brought the family back together and forced Meghan and Harry to slow down and think. They have proved their point. Any conversation will be far more amicable.
“There are no plans to kick them out or get rid of their titles. Harry regrets the hasty statement last January that blindsided everyone.”
The news came as Markle and Harry’s Christmas card delighted royal watchers.
The card was a painted sketch of the loved-up couple with their son at their California home with their two dogs a black Labrador retriever and a rescue beagle, which Markle brought to the UK with her when she first moved in with the Duke of Sussex.
The sketch shows the them in their garden in front of what appears to be a cubby house for Archie, who appears to have ginger-coloured hair like his father.
The card, which was uploaded to a local animal charity Mayhew’s Instagram page, said: “Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”.
The card,
More Coverage
King’s unexpected call ahead of Aussie tour
King Charles has made a significant personal decision ahead of his high-profile visit to Australia next week.
Queen Mary’s dazzling Disney princess moment
Australian born Queen Mary drew comparisons to an iconic Disney ice queen when meeting the president of Iceland. See the pictures.