The News
Exclusive: Prince Harry and Meghan’s Spotify Podcast Deal Comes to an End
Spotify's exclusive podcast deal with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has officially ended after the couple produced just one show under the agreement.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, Spotify and Archul Audio, the couple's podcast production company, announced the termination of their partnership.
The termination of the Spotify contract is expected to have a significant impact on the financial situation of the Sussexes, particularly as expenses for their lavish lifestyle in Montecito, California continue to rise.
Their luxurious Tuscan-style estate, purchased for a staggering $14.7 million in June 2020, comes with a substantial mortgage.
Annual property taxes alone amount to $144,427, with additional costs for staffing, maintenance, and a private security detail estimated at around $2 million per year.
In a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed that Harry and Meghan's Montecito mansion can be rented out for $700 per hour on the rental website Gigster.
The property is offered as a venue for photo shoots, music videos, and other events, accommodating up to 15 people with private parking for 50.
Speculations suggest that the ex-royal couple may not have actually owned the property, but rather leased parts of it for various activities.
Local real estate sources claim that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex never truly resided in the Rockbridge Road property, allegedly renting spaces for photo shoots from the actual owner, Ms. Fedoseva Grishin.
Reports indicate that Harry has been staying in San Francisco, while Meghan leased a nearby property near Ellen DeGeneres' residence, hinting at a possible rift between the couple.
Critics have voiced their opinions on the couple's situation, with some expressing relief that the “toxic duo” are no longer utilizing the Montecito mansion.
Speculations about the true ownership of the property and the couple's living arrangements have stirred controversy, with accusations of PR stunts and misleading representations.
Amidst financial challenges and speculation surrounding their living arrangements, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's podcast deal with Spotify, signed in 2020, fell short of expectations.
Despite the initial hype, the couple only produced 13 hours of content over two and a half years, including 12 episodes of Markle's Archetypes podcast and a holiday special.
The financial repercussions of the terminated deal are likely to impact their earnings significantly.