When Prince Harry and Meghan Marklestepped down from their royal roles in January and moved to North America in pursuit of "financial independence," they could never have imagined the unprecedented restrictions they would face just weeks after landing in Canada. The worldwide COVID pandemic, the likes of which has not been seen in a century, brought the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's plan to rebrand themselves to a screeching halt, delaying their much-anticipated arrival on Hollywood's A-list. But a royal insider told Best Life all of that will change for Harry and Meghan in 2021.
While Harry recently acknowledged that 2020 has been "a universally tough year for everybody," it appears that he and Meghan have spent much of their time hunkered down with their PR team and staff in their new California home, fine-tuning their delayed plans that will surely make them one of the most sought after couples in world in 2021. While in lockdown, they signed on with the Harry Walker Agency (which also represents the Obamas and the Clintons) to book them for speaking engagements, with an eye-watering per-speech fee estimated at $1 million.
"The thing Harry and Meghan are most looking forward to in the new year is getting back out there and being much more visible supporting the projects and causes they care most about," said a royal insider. "They used their time while not working to learn about the philanthropic landscape in the States and wisely sought out advice from some of the biggest key players in various industries so their reemergence into the spotlight is properly handled. They have been very strategic."
Here's a look at the exciting projects Harry and Meghan have upcoming in 2021 that are sure to keep them front and center in the new year. And for more on one of their famous friends, check out Oprah Winfrey Just Revealed What Meghan Markle Sent Her For Christmas.
Read the original article on Best Life.
1 | The launch of their foundation, Archewell
Archewell.comIn April, Harry and Meghan announced that the name of the new charitable entity would be Archewell, a nod to their son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. At the time, they said, "Before SussexRoyal, came the idea of Arche—the Greek word meaning source of action," which, in turn, became the inspiration for their son's name. Archewell's launch was first scheduled for last spring, but has been on hold due to the pandemic. No new launch date has been announced, but it is expected to happen early next year.
The landing page for Archewell offers little insight into the non-profit, beyond an invitation to join an email list for future bulletins. The couple has stayed mum on what type of projects Archewell will announce when it launches, but Meghan's recent surprise appearance on CNN's "Heroes" special, saluting essential workers, as well as the couple's headline-making call to action to vote in the 2020 presidential election in the Time 100 television special may offer some clues. The duke and duchess's strong support of the Black Lives Matter movement, gender equality, and striving for a hate-free digital platforms all likely reflect Archewell's mission. And for more potential moves from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, find out why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle May Soon Visit the White House.
2 | Their new podcast on Spotify, Archewell Audio
Spotify via YouTubeEarlier this week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stunned with the announcement that their production company, Archewell Audio, is partnering with Spotify for a new podcast in a multi-year deal estimated to be worth £18 million. Harry and Meghan will co-host the podcast, which will feature conversations with those who have “different perspectives and voices that perhaps you haven’t heard before."
In the three-minute trailer on Spotify's website, the couple revealed Archewell Audio's inaugural podcast will be a "holiday special" premiering during Christmastime. Harry and Meghan struck a playful tone in teaser, with Harry encouraging Meghan to start saying, "Ladies first," while she responded, "No, say it because I think it sounds really nice with your accent." And for more regular royals updates sent right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
3 | Their "inspirational" programs on Netflix
ShutterstockJust a few months after settling into their California home, the couple found the perfect platform to leverage their international star power and inked an exclusive, landmark deal with Netflix, reported to be worth more than £112 million. The arrangement will see Harry and Meghan produce a range of programs including docuseries, scripted shows, children's programming, and feature films. But, according to Meghan's representative, the former Suits star has no plans to return to acting.
In a statement announcing the deal, the couple said, “Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope. As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us.” They also noted that Netflix's “unprecedented reach" of 193 million subscribers worldwide "will help us share impactful content that unlocks action.” And for more ways Meghan has made her mark, check out 3 Things Princess Diana and Meghan Markle Did to Change the Royals Forever.
4 | Harry's Apple TV+ series with Oprah
PA Images / Alamy Stock PhotoOprah Winfrey, who has become fast friends with the Sussexes, tapped Harry to be the co-creator and executive producer on her series about mental health for Apple TV+. The project was announced in April of last year on the couple's now inactive Instagram, @SussexRoyal, and was scheduled to premiere in April of 2020. No new premiere date has been announced, but insiders have told Best Life that it is expected to launch early next year.
Using language familiar to the couple's fans, they described the project as a "dynamic multi-part documentary series" that will "focus on both mental illness and mental wellness, inspiring viewers to have an honest conversation about the challenges each of us faces, and how to equip ourselves with the tools to not simply survive, but to thrive." And for more from Ms. Winfrey's days on her daytime talk show, check out Oprah Says This Was the Worst Guest She Ever Had.
Diane Clehane is a New York-based journalist and author of Imagining Diana and Diana: The Secrets of Her Style.
