Harry and Meghan’s son Archie reveals ‘American accent’ on podcast

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s toddler son Archie heard speaking for first time as couple release first podcast.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex reads to son Archie in this photograph taken in May this year. Picture: AFP

Had a tough year and want to hear various celebrities tell of theirs? The Duke and Duchess of Sussex certainly hope you do, with the launch of their ‘’Holiday Special’’ podcast that reins in a smattering of their A-list contacts to provide self-recorded musings of the year Prince Harry calls “twenty twenny”.

While some are distressed at being unable to attend funerals, some have learned to appreciate walks and family — and we learn Elton John attends weekly AA meetings via Zoom.

Contributions have been made by actor Tyler Perry, tennis champion Naomi Osaka, new-age author Deepak Chopra, novelist Matt Haig, George the Poet and James Corden.

And Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s toddler son Archie was heard speaking for the first time on the podcast, with British media seizing on his “American” accent.

Archie, born in May 2019, giggles and wishes listeners “Happy New Year” at the end of the couple’s debut on the Spotify audio streaming platform.

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

The Daily Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English tweeted that “he very much has an American accent,” while The Sun tabloid wrote: “Baby Archie has an American accent.”

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.

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 miscarried the couple’s second baby.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are seen with baby Archie during a tour of South Africa in September 2019. Picture: Getty Images

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.

“Welcome to our twenny twenny holiday special from Archewell Audio. I’m Harry,” Harry says as he opens the podcast. “And I’m Meghan,” says Meghan, smoothly slotting in.

“As we all know it’s been a year,” Harry notes perceptively, “and we really wanna honour the compassion and kindness that has helped so many people get through it.”

Meghan then adds: “And at the same time to honour those who have experienced uncertainty and unthinkable loss.”

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

Cue Harry: “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.”

Meghan then says: “We also want to thank healthcare workers, frontline service workers, and so many others for their sacrifices.’’

The podcast ends with the couple broadcasting a song that was played at their wedding, This Little Light of Mine.

“It was the music that we wanted playing when we started our lives together. Because as we all know, darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that,” Meghan says.

Adds Harry: “It’s about using the power we each have within us to make this world a better place.”

UK radio critics have rated the podcast two and three stars out of five. But the twittersphere has been more harsh.

Can’t think of many things worse than listening to a Harry and Meghan podcast tbh.

— Andrew (@nofalseprophet) December 29, 2020

Serious question . Will I be invading Meghan and Harry’s privacy by listening to their podcast? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/O2KkYOEEtN

— PieSeesMan (@pie_sees) December 29, 2020

This will never work.

— Karleigh Smith (@KarleighSmith87) December 29, 2020

— with AFP