The termination of their partnership with Spotify was confirmed in a joint statement from Archewell Audio, their content creation label, and the streaming giant.
However, this statement is conspicuously absent from the website, which still promotes their now-defunct podcast under an exclusive partnership with Spotify, touting the platform's extensive global reach.
Typically, the website posts updates three to four times a month in its news section, but it hasn't been updated since May 15th. Observant royal fans were quick to notice this oversight and voiced their opinions on social media. Some questioned why the website hadn't been updated for months, with several pages failing to load.
Others noted the discrepancy between the outdated website and the recent developments, such as the loss of their Spotify deal. Speculation arose that the lack of updates might be connected to the couple's recent rejection of their application to trademark their podcast name, which was refused to avoid confusion with an existing brand.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams also questioned the website's lack of updates and speculated about potential forthcoming announcements.
He wondered why Harry and Meghan seemed unusually quiet and suggested they might be preparing something significant. While facing setbacks with Spotify, rumors swirling about their Netflix deal, and now their failed trademark application, it appears that their empire is facing significant challenges.
However, Fitzwilliams believed that the couple would eventually fight back, urging observers to await their response.
Adding to their recent setbacks, the US Patent Office rejected their trademark application, further fueling speculation about the lack of website updates. The couple's attempt to secure exclusive rights to "Archewell" was refused to prevent confusion with an existing brand.
Concerned royal fans have raised suspicions about Archewell's purpose, with some viewing it as a means to channel money to the couple while maintaining the flexibility to allocate 95% of the funds and charge expenses without disclosing the donors. Last month, a documentary aired on France 2, investigating the questionable practices of Archewell. It revealed that the foundation spent a significant amount on operational fees compared to its charitable giving.
During a visit to the Archewell offices, investigators found the premises completely empty, with no employees present. It was revealed that the office they visited was not their actual workspace but their lawyer's office.
Reports also emerged indicating that Harry and Meghan each dedicated only one hour of work per week to their Archewell foundation in 2021, following their resignation from royal duties. According to the non-profit's 2021 tax filing, the Sussexes collectively contributed an average of one hour of work per week, totaling a mere 52 hours for the entire year.
The lack of updates on the website, combined with recent developments and investigations, have prompted questions and concerns about the functioning and transparency of Archewell.
