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The son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archie, has spoken publicly for the first time, with a slight American accent, on the royal couple’s new podcast for Spotify.
The half-hour “Holiday Special” features celebrities, including singer Sir Elton John and television host James Corden, and other guests who reflect on the past year and “share lessons, reflections and hopes for 2021.”
In a surprise twist at the end, the couple’s son Archie wished listeners a happy new year.
Harry and Meghan have launched their first podcast with the streaming platform Spotify
“After me. Ready? Happy…” said Harry, training the 19-month-old.
“Happy,” Archie repeated.
“New,” said the Duke and Duchess.
“New … year,” replied the boy, laughing.
The episode includes “personal anecdotes and inspiring stories,” with guests chatting with Harry and Meghan about their own life experiences.
Among those who participated in the program were activists and activists whom the couple had asked to record audio diaries that remember the year.
The podcast adventure continues a high profile Netflix deal become film and television producers, after announcing that they wanted to get away from real life and financially independent early 2020.
Archie and his parents in September 2019
In the audio program, they pay tribute to those who “have experienced uncertainty and unthinkable loss” during a difficult year, and thank health workers for their sacrifices.
The couple, who have been married for two and a half years and now live in Montecito, California, also expound on the value of love, telling their listeners that “love wins.”
Harry said, “We’re glad you’re here. As we all know, it’s been a year. And we really want to honor the compassion and kindness that has helped so many people get through it.”
Meghan added: “And at the same time, to honor those who have experienced uncertainty and unthinkable loss. Our thoughts have been with you, especially during this holiday season.”
The couple married in May 2018.
In his audio diary for the podcast Sir Elton John said: “We were in the middle of a tour and then COVID started and we went back to England in May, and it was very strange because we were in full action, and then everything suddenly stopped.
“I’m 73 years old and I’m semi-diabetic so I’m in a risk zone there, I have an underlying condition, as they say. I’ve seen my immediate family, Zachary, Elijah and David, all the time.
“But my relatives, whom I love, haven’t been able to see much of them, and I’ve only kept in touch with him by phone, of course, and by Zoom.”
He attended his Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at Zoom, and called technology a “lifesaver.”
Reflecting on 2020, he called it “the worst year I have ever known” and said, “Let’s keep going and up and have the best year in 2021.”
Harry and Meghan also have a contract to produce content for Netflix
Late night talk show host and actor James Corden said the pandemic taught him that he is “very happy to stay” as the pandemic forced him to record from home.
“You could waste a day just staring at the corner of a rug,” he said.
Celebrity chef José Andrés said he shed tears when he had to close his restaurants, but then decided to repurpose his staff to provide meals to those who need it most, such as healthcare workers and the homeless.
The show ends on a romantic note, with This Little Light of Mine, the song that was played at the end of their wedding at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in May 2018.
Meghan said: “Of us I will say that no matter what life throws at you, trust us when we tell you, love wins.”
The podcast is Archewell Audio’s first offering in a multi-year association with the streaming service, as part of his Archewell charitable foundation.
The royal couple’s “first audio production company” is expected to deliver a full series next year.
Harry and Meghan have appeared on several different podcasts as guests, including the Adolescent Therapy podcast to mark World Mental Health Day, where Meghan described how “in 2019, I was the most trolled person in the world.”
And last month, Meghan wrote about the experience of lose your second child in The New York Times, in an attempt to end the stigma of talking about miscarriage.
