HARRY and Meghan are working to protect their £18million podcast deal after failing to produce any content this year leaving Spotify chiefs mystified.
Pressure has been mounting on the pair to follow up the only episode of their multi-year contract -a solitary 35-minute holiday special last December.
Spotify last year excitedly announced it was expecting a fullscale launch of content from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex throughout 2021.
But with only one show under their belts, the streaming platform has so far paid the couple £500,000 for each minute.
One source said: "Spotify were delighted when they signed the couple, but the lack of content has mystified them. Particularly as they seem to have no problem producing content for other platforms."
Another source said: "When Harry and Meghan signed the Spotify deal in December, they didn't really have a full audio team behind them, there were no scripts ready and they hadn't made podcasts before. The holiday special episode was whacked together but, even though it was well received by fans, it was hard for them to pull off."
Read our Meghan Markle live below for the latest news & updates….
- Joseph Gamp
Trump says Harry 'will regret marriage' to Meghan
Donald Trump has blasted Meghan Markle again as he claims Prince Harry will “regret” marrying Meghan Marking as she is “ruining his relationship with the Royal Family”.
In a new interview with Nigel Farage, The former US President said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have “hurt” the Royals.
During the interview, Trump spoke of his admiration for the Queen.
And he said that it has clouded his view of Meghan Markle, who he believes is “using” Harry and has been “disrespectful” to Her Majesty.
Speaking about the Duchess of Sussex, the former US president said: “I’m not a fan of hers.
“I wasn’t from day one. I think Harry has been used horribly and I think some day he will regret it.
“I think Harry’s been used and been used terribly.
“I think it’s ruined his relationship with his family, and it hurts the Queen.”
- Joseph Gamp
Duke of York dragged into Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking trial
The Duke of York has been dragged into the sex-trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell after being listed as a passenger on disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein's private planes.
Jurors trying the case at the court in the Southern District of New York were told Andrew was one of a number of high-profile figures to fly on the aircraft, including former US presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, and actor Kevin Spacey.
British socialite Maxwell, who was described as "dangerous" during Monday's proceedings, is accused of preying on vulnerable young girls and luring them to massage rooms to be molested by Epstein between 1994 and 2004.
On Tuesday, Epstein's former pilot Larry Visoski told the court Maxwell was "number two" to her ex-partner, with the convicted sex offender "definitely the big number one".
The witness also recalled meeting one of Epstein's alleged victims, given the pseudonym "Jane".
"Did anyone tell you how old Jane was when you met her?" assistant United States attorney Maurene Comey asked.
"No they didn't no," Mr Visoski responded. "Mr Epstein brought her to the cockpit and introduced her to me.
"She was a mature woman with striking blue eyes."
- Joseph Gamp
Queen’s Christmas speech hijack
The BBC is the regular broadcaster of the Queen’s Christmas speech, however the Royal Family have recently had a falling out with the broadcaster.
Channel 4 have seen this as a door opening and have entered the race to air the festive speech.
An insider said: “This is a bold and unprecedented move from Channel 4.
“But they are a public broadcaster, too, and don’t have any axes to grind. Bosses are continually looking to expand the broadcaster’s remit and give viewers fresh and unexpected programming.
“They’ve made it clear they would like to film the speech this year — especially if the Royals punish the Beeb and withdraw their rights, although that does seem unlikely. But the Royal family have shown they have backbone and won’t stand for much more nonsense.
“Channel 4 would definitely love to show the Queen’s speech this year should the BBC be punished again.”
- Joseph Gamp
Why does Prince William often wear chinos?
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge must adhere to a dress code when they’re out and about at informal events, too.
For women, a smart day dress or trousers teamed with a blazer is deemed acceptable, while men opt for a collared shirt with chinos.
Wills is often seen in the smart day trousers, but has on occasion broken the rules and worn jeans.
Etiquette expert Grant Harrold, known as The Royal Butler, told the BBC: “”Many places will not allow jeans as they are still seen as very casual wear, so it is better to play safe for both sexes.
“But if the duchess is outside walking the dogs for example, then jeans are fine.”
- Joseph Gamp
Spotify bosses have given Harry & Meghan 'a gentle nudge'
Spotify bosses have given the pair's Archewell Audio brand a "gentle nudge" to finish the content and protect the future of the multimillion-pound deal.
One source said: "Spotify were delighted when they signed the couple, but the lack of content has mystified them. Particularly as they seem to have no problem producing content for other platforms."
Another source said: "When Harry and Meghan signed the Spotify deal in December, they didn't really have a full audio team behind them, there were no scripts ready and they hadn't made podcasts before.
"The holiday special episode was whacked together but, even though it was well received by fans, it was hard for them to pull off."
- Joseph Gamp
Harry & Meghan haven't created any Spotify podcasts despite £18m deal
HARRY and Meghan are working to protect their £18million podcast deal after failing to produce any content this year leaving Spotify chiefs mystified.
Pressure has been mounting on the pair to follow up the only episode of their multi-year contract ? a solitary 35-minute holiday special last December.
Spotify last year excitedly announced it was expecting a fullscale launch of content from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex throughout 2021.
But with only one show under their belts, the streaming platform has so far paid the couple £500,000 for each minute.
- Joseph Gamp
Could the Spotify deal hang in the balance?
Pressure has been mounting on the sussexes to follow up the only episode of their multi-year contract to protect their £18million deal.
The only episode they have put together lasts for just 35-minutes and was a holiday special last December.
Spotify last year excitedly announced it was expecting a full-scale launch of content from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex throughout 2021.
But with only one show under their belts, the streaming platform has so far paid the couple £500,000 for each minute.
Meanwhile, Harry has appeared on numerous other podcasts, including Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert in May, where he said his life was like Jim Carrey film The Truman Show.
- Louis Allwood
When did the Queen first do her Christmas speech?
The BBC first aired the Christmas speech in 1932 when King George V addressed the nation via radio from Sandringham, Norfolk.
The speech was televised for the first time when it was given by the Queen in 1957.
- Louis Allwood
Kate glamorous headpieces
Prior to her wedding, the Duchess of Cambridge wasn’t seen in public wearing a tiara.
This is because glamorous headpieces are typically reserved for married women.
Tiaras are traditionally worn at formal events, and are used as a “sign of status”.
Harrold told the BBC: “The old rule is that hats are never worn indoors after 6pm, because that is when the ladies changed into evening dress, and tiaras and the family jewels would come out.”
He added: “For married ladies, it was a sign of status and would show you were taken and not looking for a husband.
“For the gentleman, it was a clear sign not to make advances toward the lady in question.”
- Louis Allwood
Royal dress code
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge must adhere to a dress code when they’re out and about at informal events, too.
For women, a smart day dress or trousers teamed with a blazer is deemed acceptable, while men opt for a collared shirt with chinos.
Wills is often seen in the smart day trousers, but has on occasion broken the rules and worn jeans.
Etiquette expert Grant Harrold, known as The Royal Butler, told the BBC: “”Many places will not allow jeans as they are still seen as very casual wear, so it is better to play safe for both sexes.
“But if the duchess is outside walking the dogs for example, then jeans are fine.”
- Louis Allwood
Newly-unearthed TV film shows Meghan scoffing chicken
Meghan Markle is seen scoffing chicken in a newly-unearthed TV film released just months before she met Prince Harry.
In 2016, actress Meghan starred in The Daters Handbook and also got to snog co-star Kristoffer Polaha as part of the story.
In the little-known telly romance, Meghan plays a successful businesswoman called Cass who is unlucky-in-love.
To turn her romantic life around, Cass reads The Daters Handbook self-help book and subsequently ends up dating several men at once.
- Louis Allwood
Could the Spotify deal hang in the balance?
Pressure has been mounting on the sussexes to follow up the only episode of their multi-year contract to protect their £18million deal.
The only episode they have put together lasts for just 35-minutes and was a holiday special last December.
Spotify last year excitedly announced it was expecting a full-scale launch of content from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex throughout 2021.
But with only one show under their belts, the streaming platform has so far paid the couple £500,000 for each minute.
Meanwhile, Harry has appeared on numerous other podcasts, including Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert in May, where he said his life was like Jim Carrey film The Truman Show.
- Louis Allwood
Recap of brothers rift following documentary
Harry revealed the full extent of the brothers’ rift on a tour of South Africa in 2019.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave a revealing interview during the trip to ITV’s Tom Bradby.
Harry said of William: “We are certainly on different paths at the moment but I will always be there for him and I know he will always be there for me.
“We don’t see each other as much as we used to because we are so busy but I love him dearly.
“The majority of stuff is created out of nothing but as brothers, you know, you have good days, you have bad days.”
- Louis Allwood
Prince Harry didn’t really engage with the media
In the controversial BBC documentary, it recounted the time period from Harry and Meghan’s wedding to them stepping down as senior royals.
This time included the couple’s tour to South Africa, and Sky News reporter Rhiannon Mills says on this tour, Prince Harry didn’t really engage with the media or “talk to us in the ways that he would have done”.
Fellow royal reporter Robert Jobson said Harry looked “furious with the media” while giving a speech in Johannesburg.
He said: “He didn’t want to look at the cameras. He didn’t want to interact.”
- Louis Allwood
Guilty pleasure
THE Queen has stopped having her daily dry martini, it has been reported but has now taken up a 'guilty pleasure'.
Last month, it was said Her Majesty, 95, was cutting down on her alcohol for health reasons.
Royal sommelier Demetri Walters has revealed how alchol was affecting her health.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the wine professional said: “It’s bad for her joints, and she can’t drink too much when she’s doing all these royal engagements — it’s not a job you can drink in.”
However, the monarch hasn’t given up booze entirely, and still enjoys a glass of wine with her meal.
The sommelier continued: “I choose for the Queen, but she’s quite exacting, as she doesn’t drink much wine at the moment.”
- Louis Allwood
Meghan's lawyer denies claims
In the BBC documentary, Meghan’s lawyer denied the duchess has ever bullied her staff – but insisted: “She wouldn’t want to negate anyone’s personal experiences.”
Jenny Afia of Schillings addressed claims Meg inflicted “emotional cruelty” on employees and “drove them out”.
Meghan was the only Royal Family member to take part — raising the possibility the BBC told her what was going to be in the documentary while leaving the rest of the royals in the dark.
- Louis Allwood
Commemorative coin – Where to get it?
The new design will join a collection of commemorative crown pieces from the Royal Mint over the years, which have celebrated the Queen’s Silver, Gold and Diamond Jubilees.
Included in one of the largest collections made by the Royal Mint, the coin will be unveiled next year alongside a commemorative £5 crown.
Collectors of coins can register their interest to the Royal Mint to claim the commemorative 50p piece.
- Louis Allwood
Sussexes first Thanksgiving
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have celebrated their first Thanksgiving as a family-of-four after welcoming daughter Lilibet in June.
For the second year in a row, the couple have marked the US holiday at their home in exclusive Montecito, California.
And the family will have spent the day together before enjoying a meal prepared by Meghan.
In her recent interview on The Ellen Show, the duchess revealed they’ll “relax” and make the most of time spent together.
“I love to cook, we’ll be at home and just relax and sort of settle in,” she said.
“It’s our second Thanksgiving at home in California, so it will be nice.”
Read the full story here.
- Louis Allwood
“Put her in her place”
Omid Scobie, author of sympathetic Meghan and Harry biography Finding Freedom, claimed “negative stories” had been leaked about the duchess to “put her in her place”.
No evidence was provided and he wasn’t challenged on the allegation by presenter Amol Rajan.
The Duke of Cambridge is said to be deeply upset at the suggestion.
He has reportedly banned his aides from ever briefing against family members after seeing the devastating impact of his parents’ media war first-hand.
Meanwhile, in last night’s programme, Meghan’s lawyer denied the duchess has ever bullied her staff – but insisted: “She wouldn’t want to negate anyone’s personal experiences.”
- Louis Allwood
Queen rarely seen without gloves, but why?
The Queen is rarely seen without her gloves, which are often Michael Jackson-esque white or a dark-toned leather to match her handbag.
The monarch wears these for practical reasons during the daytime as she is frequently required to shake hands with hundreds of people.
This fashion item helps stop germs being spread from person to person.
Long opera gloves are worn for formal evening events such as state banquets.
- Louis Allwood
Thomas Markle plays down issue of Royal questioning Archie's skin tone
THOMAS Markle has played down the issue of a royal family member questioning Archie's skin tone.
He explained, "it was nothing more than a simple innocent question" and rejected suggestions a Royal Family member was racist.
In an interview with Dan Wootton on GB News, Thomas Markle explained: "This new book inferring that Charles was racist is nonsense.
"He just asked an innocent question when he asked what colour the baby would be.
“That’s just curiosity that most people have and it can never be answered until the birth.
“It was nothing more than a simple innocent question. The very same with Prince Charles.
“It’s very apparent that my strong Scottish, English genes were dominant.”
- Louis Allwood
Queen removed as head of state, but where?
It will be the first time since 1992 that a country has removed the Queen as head of state, and Prince Charles is attending an event to mark the change as his mother’s representative.
The country making the big change is Barbados.
“As with a lot of other things, Barbados is one of the leaders of the region. When other countries see what’s happening here, and how easy it is to transition, it may lead to a domino effect where others follow suit,” said restaurant owner Zamani Moody to The Independent.
“I’m not sure of the impact it’ll have, though, on the Commonwealth. I know with the separation of Britain from the EU, there was the thought that the Commonwealth would get stronger and a hope that the UK would pour more resources into that.”
“Dismantling the legacy of the British Empire isn’t going to happen till we have honest conversation locally on the values, systems and traditions we continue to uphold in our society,” Rene Holder-McClean-Ramirez, an LGBT+ and human rights advocate told The Independent.
- Louis Allwood
Harry will ‘regret’ marriage to Meghan Markle Donald Trump claims
Donald Trump has blasted Meghan Markle again as he claims Prince Harry will "regret" marrying Meghan Marking as she is "ruining his relationship with the Royal Family".
In a new interview with Nigel Farage, The former US President said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have “hurt” the Royals.
During the interview, Trump spoke of his admiration for the Queen.
And he said that it has clouded his view of Meghan Markle, who he believes is "using" Harry and has been "disrespectful" to Her Majesty.
Speaking about the Duchess of Sussex, the former US president said: "I'm not a fan of hers.
"I wasn't from day one. I think Harry has been used horribly and I think some day he will regret it.
"I think Harry's been used and been used terribly.
"I think it's ruined his relationship with his family, and it hurts the Queen."
- Louis Allwood
BBC podcast ‘delayed’
The BBC was set to release a five-part podcast yesterday exploring the royals and the press, alongside their controversial documentary Princes and the Press.
However it was mysteriously delayed at the eleventh hour.
The Beeb said: “The podcast is still in production and will now be released as a box set when it’s ready.” The delay came as the BBC said it was replacing the title of last night’s documentary from ‘Megxit’ with Sussexit’ after claims by Prince Harry that the term was sexist.
- Louis Allwood
Royal neighbour
Prince William and Kate Middleton could welcome Princess Eugenie or Princess Beatrice as their neighbour in Kensington Palace, a royal historian has said.
Marlene Koenig, a royal historian and expert, has suggested that either Princess Beatrice or Eugenie could be lined up as Apartment 1’s newest tenants.
She told Express.co.uk last month: “Princess Anne’s home is her own and it will go to her kids, it’s not a royal home.
“There’s an area next to it that Mark Phillips helped buy before the divorce, and that’s where Zara and Peter live and have their homes — it’s all going to be theirs at some point.
“But other homes and royal residences, right now, it’s more about maintaining what they have.
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