While I realize that the timeline was originally set by the British media, I really did expect to hear some big business news from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex this fall. Granted, they could still announce plenty of stuff and I appreciate the fact that they’re not allowing the tabloids to dictate anything. Archewell Audio is one area in which there’s a big question mark. They parted ways with Spotify in June, didn’t respond to Spotify executive Bill Simmons calling them “f–king grifters” and then…nothing. We’ve heard rumors, of course, of WME deal-making and Meghan’s possible desire to start fresh at a different pod-streamer. But nothing from Archewell, nothing in the trade papers. Is it possible that Meghan is “close to signing” with Audible?
Meghan Markle could be set for a “huge payout” as the former royal is on the cusp of signing a major deal. The Duchess of Sussex is said to be “thrilled” at the prospect of the new deal, particularly since she parted ways with Spotify earlier this year.
Now, new sources have revealed that Meghan has a brand-new deal on the way with Audible, a streaming service that specialises in audiobooks and podcasts. The deal is set to be a “make or break for her Hollywood dream”.
Speaking to Closer, the source said: “Word of mouth is spreading that it will lead to a huge payout – even bigger than the millions Spotify splashed out – and Meghan is thrilled that she’ll be in the company of Michelle and Barack Obama.”
The source continued: “Meghan seems very confident at the moment but the reality is that she’s been in a pretty desperate spot. Losing the Spotify deal was a massive blow to her, not to mention her ego. She’s been pretty lost since but this deal could turn everything around.”
They added: “Meghan knows her new deal with Audible could be make or break for her Hollywood dream. She feels ready but that doesn’t mean this isn’t seriously daunting. She hardly sleeps thanks to the pressure of it all, but knows that the pressure will only get worse if she lands the deal – it will be make or break.”
“It will be make or break” – no it won’t and she’s not losing sleep over it either way. I’d love Meghan to come back to podcasting, either with Archetypes or a new pod format, and I agree that if she comes back, it will likely be through Audible. But the days of “throwing millions at podcasters” is over, and whether Meghan goes to Audible or not, it’s not make or break or even some super-profitable situation. I am hopeful that Meg has a lot of stuff she’s working on behind-the-scenes though. Announce something, Meg!!
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Backgrid.
Invictus Games 2023 in Duesseldorf Prinz Harry, Duke of Sussex gemeinsam mit Ehefrau Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex gut gelaunt im Buggy auf dem Weg zur Schwimmhalle fuer die Schwimmwettkaempfe bei den Invictus Games 2023 in Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, 13.09.2023 Duesseldorf Nordrhein-Westfalen Deutschland *** Invictus Games 2023 in Duesseldorf Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex together with wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex in a good mood in the buggy on the way to the swimming hall for the swimming competitions at the Invictus Games 2023 in Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, 13 09 2023 Duesseldorf North Rhine Westphalia Germany,Image: 805068101, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: imago is entitled to issue a simple usage license at the time of provision. Personality and trademark rights as well as copyright laws regarding art-works shown must be observed. Commercial use at your own risk., Model Release: no, Credit line: IMAGO / Avalon 
Herzogin Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, bei ihrem Besuch der Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 in der Merkur Spiel Arena Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf, 15.09.2023 NRW Deutschland *** Duchess Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during her visit to the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 at Merkur Spiel Arena Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, 15 09 2023 NRW Germany. Copyright: xChristophxHardtx,Image: 805561590, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: imago is entitled to issue a simple usage license at the time of provision. Personality and trademark rights as well as copyright laws regarding art-works shown must be observed. Commercial use at your own risk., Model Release: no, Credit line: IMAGO/Christoph Hardt / Avalon 
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at a benefit concert for Santa Barbara first responders on Kevin Costner’s estate in Montecito, USA, on 22 September 2023.,Image: 807665176, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: JERRY PEREZ / Avalon
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at a benefit concert for Santa Barbara first responders on Kevin Costner’s estate in Montecito, USA, on 22 September 2023.,Image: 807665364, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: JERRY PEREZ / Avalon 
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at a benefit concert for Santa Barbara first responders on Kevin Costner’s estate in Montecito, USA, on 22 September 2023.,Image: 807665423, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: JERRY PEREZ / Avalon 
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at a benefit concert for Santa Barbara first responders on Kevin Costner’s estate in Montecito, USA, on 22 September 2023.,Image: 807665722, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: JERRY PEREZ / Avalon
Dusseldorf, GERMANY – Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex visit Sitting Volleyball on day 6 of Invictus Games 2023 at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf. Pictured: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex BACKGRID USA 15 SEPTEMBER 2023 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication* 
Dusseldorf, GERMANY – Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex visit Sitting Volleyball on day 6 of Invictus Games 2023 at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf. Pictured: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex BACKGRID USA 15 SEPTEMBER 2023 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pLHLnpmirJOdxm%2BvzqZmcWxiaX1xe8islp2tk52ytL%2B%2BppygoJGjrKKuzq6rmKyflMCqs82Ypqesn5SutrDIm6Oel5akv6Ct0Zyfnq%2BVobmgrdSdoKhn