However, the couple faced an unexpected setback when they were let go from the streaming service last year, with a top Spotify executive even referring to them as "f*****g grifters." While Meghan's new partnership with Lemonada allows her to continue podcasting, it is a far cry from the magnitude of her previous deal with Spotify.
The Lemonada deal is believed to be worth only a fraction of what Meghan and Harry received from Spotify. While the couple was paid $25 million, Lemonada's total revenue across all its podcasts amounted to approximately $8 million (£6.3 million) last year.
When Meghan and Harry initially joined Spotify, they found themselves in the company of celebrities like former US President Barack Obama. In contrast, Lemonada offers podcasts featuring figures such as Nickelodeon child star Jenette McCurdy and former Seinfeld actress Julia-Louis Dreyfus.
It has been suggested that Meghan did not always conduct interviews with her guests personally and instead left that task to her producers, with her own audio being added later. Guest Allison Yarrow even admitted to never having met the Duchess of Sussex in person, thanking Meghan's producer for being an "excellent interviewer" in an Instagram post with a Gimlet sign in the background.
Royal commentator Kinsey Scofield criticized Meghan's Archetypes podcast, raising concerns about the alleged lack of authenticity in her interviews and the perceived irrelevance of some of the topics discussed. Scofield remarked that it was unnecessary to dwell on stereotypes in Austin Powers movies, given that the entertainment industry had progressed beyond accepting such comedy. She urged Meghan to focus on addressing more relevant issues.
Meghan shared a statement on her new website, announcing her partnership with Lemonada. She expressed her pride in joining the talented team at Lemonada and supporting a female-founded company that produces thought-provoking and highly entertaining podcasts. Meghan revealed plans to re-release Archetypes to reach a wider audience and to launch an exciting new podcast in the near future, expressing her enthusiasm for joining the Lemonada family.
As Meghan embarks on this new podcasting venture, the world will be watching to see how she navigates the challenges and delivers engaging content through her partnership with Lemonada.
