Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who famously stepped down from their royal positions in 2020 and relocated to the United States, embarked on a new chapter by establishing their company and foundation, Archwell.
Their venture quickly gained traction as they collaborated with Netflix to launch the highly successful docuseries, Harry and Meghan.
However, their deal with Spotify, which initially seemed promising, unexpectedly fell apart after just one season of Meghan’s podcast.
With their multi-million dollar deal hanging in the balance, it appears that the couple may be contemplating the closure of Archwell in favor of a partnership with Paramount Pictures.
Speculation about a potential collaboration with Paramount Pictures arose when the couple traveled to Jamaica for the premiere of the Bob Marley biopic.
This all-expenses-paid luxury trip sparked rumors of discussions with the studio executives.
Adding to the intrigue, five senior employees have recently departed from Archwell, with the most recent resignation occurring just a day ago.
Bennett Levine, who joined the company as a coordinator in 2021 and was later promoted to manager, left his position on Tuesday.
This departure follows the resignations of Mandana Dayani, the former president of Archwell, and Rebecca Sinanez, who was initially hired to produce Meghan’s podcast but was subsequently replaced by media executive Serena Reagan.
Farrah Taylor, the head of marketing at Archwell, and Ben Browning, the head of internal content, also stepped down simultaneously in 2023.
PR expert Ryan McCormick suggests that Levine’s departure may indicate turmoil within the organization.
Speaking to the Mirror, McCormick expressed his belief that the lack of effort and commitment displayed by Harry and Meghan, who reportedly only worked one hour per week at Archwell last year, could be a contributing factor.
He emphasized the importance of setting a good example for employees and delivering valuable content to the organization, donors, and media partners.
McCormick speculates that if this trend continues, more high-level employees may follow suit.
Levine’s unexpected exit coincides with rumors that Netflix may not renew its deal with Archwell.
Furthermore, the couple has reportedly been engaging with executives from other broadcasting companies, suggesting a potential shift in partnerships.
Spotify’s decision to terminate their deal after just one series of Meghan’s podcast archetypes drew criticism from Bill Simmons, a Spotify executive and popular podcaster, who referred to the couple as “grifters.”
In the midst of these developments, Tracey Ryerson has been appointed as the new head of scripted content at Archwell Productions.
Rumors have circulated that the Sussexes are pitching a feminist-focused prequel to Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations to Netflix, centered around the iconic jilted bride, Miss Havisham.
Additionally, it was revealed in June that Meghan and Harry had hired the marketing director from an exclusive hotel nearby, known for hosting renowned guests such as Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, and JFK.
However, reports indicate that the Sussexes have lost a total of 17 staff members since 2018.
This ongoing turnover raises questions about the stability and direction of Archwell, as well as the couple’s ability to produce consistent and valuable content.
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle navigate the uncertain future of their business ventures, the possibility of a collaboration with Paramount Pictures looms.
The couple’s decision could have significant implications for their brand and the entertainment industry as a whole.
Only time will tell what lies ahead for the dynamic duo and their ambitious endeavors.