Spotify’s exclusive podcast deal with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has officially come to an end.
The couple, who formed their own podcast production company called Archul Audio, had only produced one show under the agreement.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, Spotify and Archul Audio announced the termination of their pact.
This development is a setback for the Sussexes’ finances, as they face mounting bills for their lavish lifestyle in Montecito, California.
The couple’s extravagant Tuscan-style estate, which they purchased for a staggering $14.7 million in June 2020, comes with a substantial mortgage.
Moreover, the annual property taxes alone amount to a whopping $144,427, with additional expenses for staffing and maintenance.
On top of that, the couple’s private security detail costs approximately $2 million per year.
Legal fees from Prince Harry’s ongoing battles with the British press further add to their financial burdens.
Without the support of Spotify’s cash, they find themselves in a challenging financial situation.
Prior to this, it was reported that the Duke and Duchess’s Montecito mansion could be rented out for $700 per hour.
The rental website Gigster offered their home as a backdrop for photo shoots, music videos, and other events.
The property can accommodate a crew of 15 people and provides private parking for up to 50 vehicles.
Interestingly, the listing was posted before the ex-royals purchased the property, revealing never-before-seen photos of the interior prior to their move-in with baby Archie.
Some residents of Montecito, particularly the immediate neighbors, may breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the couple will no longer be using this mansion.
Speculation has circulated that Prince Harry and Meghan never actually owned the Rockbridge Road property but rather leased parts of it for photo shoots from the actual owner, Ms. Fedoseva Grishin.
A local realtor has claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not lived under the same roof since being asked to leave Tyler Perry’s property due to their lack of accommodation for Archie.
Prince Harry has reportedly been couch-surfing with gay men in San Francisco, while Meghan, tired of the expensive accommodations at San Ysidro Ranch, has leased a home near Ellen DeGeneres’ residence.
The dynamics between Prince Harry and Meghan have also been a topic of discussion.
It is alleged that Meghan encouraged Harry to include sensitive information in his book, which ultimately caused tension between them.
Furthermore, there are claims that Meghan has been manipulative throughout their relationship, with some even suggesting that she has caused significant harm.
It is disheartening to think that the Queen may have been aware of these issues before her passing.
Many hope that Prince Harry will return home, as Meghan has already caused enough damage.
In terms of their podcast deal with Spotify, it was signed in 2020 but only resulted in 13 hours of programming over two and a half years.
This included 12 episodes of Meghan’s Archetypes podcast and a one-off holiday special.
Unfortunately, the couple will not receive the full amount they could have earned under the agreement.
In conclusion, Spotify’s exclusive podcast deal with Prince Harry and Meghan has come to an end, leaving the couple facing financial challenges.
Their luxurious lifestyle in Montecito comes with substantial expenses, including mortgage payments, property taxes, staffing, maintenance, and a hefty bill for private security.
Additionally, legal fees from Prince Harry’s battles with the British press further strain their finances.