Meghan Markle‘s new Spotify podcast, Archetypes, was launched this week with a major bang for the host and the royal family.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, rapidly earned herself a new title that must have made some laugh or feel consumed with fear in the Palace walls — she has been dubbed the Queen of podcasts.
The Duchess of Sussex accomplished the difficult feat of dethroning the controversial and chart-topping The Joe Rogan Experience.
Markle had the most listeners to a podcast in the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and more. She sat down with her longtime friend and tennis icon, Serena Williams, as her first guest.
The show’s inaugural episode also included a brief appearance by Markle’s husband, Prince Harry.
During Prince Harry’s cameo, he had some encouraging words for his wife and a light exchange with Williams.
As Markle was recording the show, she paused and later told her listeners: “You wanna come to say hi? Look who just popped in.”
Prince Harry told Williams: “I like what you’ve done with your hair. That’s a great vibe.” The athlete replied: “Thank you. Good to see you too; as always, I miss you guys.” Prince Harry responded: “Well, come and see us.”
The retired American actress has 11 more episodes to go, and she has aligned a long list of captivating guests.
However, many believe that Prince Harry will continue to appear on the podcast to give Markle the soundbites she needs to remain on top of the charts.
Royal expert Jonathan Sacerdoti spoke to Express and revealed the following about Prince Harry’s brief appearance: “It would be fun if Harry keeps popping up. I don’t think I’d be surprised if he makes regular cameos because remember, he did also pop up in her unusual 40th birthday attempt at a comedy sketch where he was behind the window juggling. This time he appeared to tell Serena Williams he liked her hairstyle, so he’s becoming a regular character in their very occasional publications.”
He went on to say that it was a carefully crafted moment by the husband and wife and added: “It’s clearly very carefully planned and crucially a part of their entire strategy. Meghan Markle, on her own, only carries a certain amount of interest for a certain amount of time. She needs to remind her audience she’s connected to Prince Harry and therefore connected to the Royal Family because that’s her entire reason for notoriety.”
He went on to say that he expects other appearances by Prince Harry because he has the capacity to give his spouse some fascinating soundbites.
He said: “So I think it’s important for her that the prince occasionally pops up to remind us of that connection. I don’t think he’s overshadowing her. If anything, his occasional appearances and soundbites will bring more attention to her.”
Prince Harry is set to publish his highly anticipated tell-all book as Markle is wrapping up the last episodes of her podcast.
It would make sense that he sits down with Markle to promote the memoir, which has many in the royal family scared and anxious.
According to royal reporter and author Omid Scobie, the stress level at Buckingham Palace is high after Markle took her show on the road.
He said: “I’m told Buckingham Palace aides were most definitely not keeping calm, nor carrying on after the show’s premiere on Tuesday…the staff is worried about what else might be shared over the next 12 weeks.”
The royal clan, including Prince Charles and Prince William, have not received advanced copies of the book; they will discover the memoir’s content at the same time as the rest of the world.
