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Meghan Markle’s Podcast Faces Major Setback in Charts
In a surprising turn of events, Meghan Markle's podcast series, Archetypes, has taken a significant hit in the Spotify charts this week.
Despite the couple's lucrative £18 million deal with the streaming giant, the series has struggled to gain traction, leaving many to wonder about its future.
With only one episode remaining, the pressure is mounting for the Sussexes as they navigate this rocky terrain.
Royal correspondent Russell Myers from the Daily Mirror shed light on the situation during a segment on True Royalty TV's The Royal Beat.
He noted that while the podcast initially launched with promise, it has since plummeted in rankings, currently hovering in the 70s.
Just earlier this week, the tenth episode found itself languishing at number 77 on the US Spotify chart, even falling behind a collection of baby lullabies.
This dramatic decline has raised eyebrows, particularly since Archetypes had previously enjoyed a stint at the top.
Myers pointed out that Spotify seems to have ceased its manipulation of numbers, further complicating the couple's narrative.
With Archetypes now sitting at number 22 in the charts, it's clear that the initial excitement surrounding the series has fizzled out.
The implications of this downturn are significant, especially for a brand that has come to symbolize the Sussexes' new life away from royal duties.
In a recent segment, Myers also touched upon a peculiar video message the couple recorded for Elton John's farewell concert in California.
The clip, filmed at their Archwell offices, featured Prince Harry expressing gratitude towards the music icon for his friendship with Diana and their family.
The moment ended with Meghan affectionately resting her head on Harry's chest while blowing a kiss to the camera, which Myers described as a “mishmash” of sentiments.
It appears that the Sussexes are still grappling with their identity outside of royal life.
Myers suggested they are trying to create headlines and maintain relevance amidst increasing scrutiny.
The pressure to deliver meaningful content and engage with their audience seems to weigh heavily on them.
The latest episode of Archetypes, titled Beyond the Archetype – Human Being, tackled the issue of slut-shaming.
In a candid discussion with actor Michaela J. Rodriguez, Meghan highlighted the double standards that women face regarding their sexuality.
She pointed out that while men often receive praise for their s–ual exploits, women are frequently judged harshly for similar behavior.
Meghan articulated her frustration over societal perceptions, asserting that women are often scrutinized as they explore their sensuality.
She argued that even accomplished women in their 50s can be unfairly labeled based on their past, suggesting a desire for equal treatment in matters of personal freedom.
Her comments sparked a mix of reactions, reflecting the ongoing debate about gender norms and s–ual liberation.
Criticism of the Sussexes has intensified, particularly from columnist Kristen Tate, who claimed that Meghan and Harry have significantly damaged the royal family's reputation.
Tate remarked on their apparent detachment from reality, suggesting that their actions have not resonated well with the public.
As Meghan continues to invite high-profile guests to Archetypes, including notable figures such as Serena Williams and Mariah Carey, the backlash from British media remains persistent.
Each episode seems to attract scrutiny, regardless of the topic discussed, indicating a broader discontent among some monarchists.
With the Sussexes' decision to settle in California still fresh in the minds of many, it appears that forgiveness from certain factions of the British media is far from forthcoming.
The couple's journey post-royalty continues to be fraught with challenges, and their podcast's struggles may just be the tip of the iceberg.