Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's podcast could be “dangerous territory” for the Royal Family

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched Archewell Audio this week

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Duke and Duchess of Sussex
(Image credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's podcast could possibly put the Royal Family in a difficult position, a commentator has claimed this week. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched their new podcast Archewell Audio this week after partnering up with Spotify. The media streaming service released a short trailer teasing what is to come from the popular royals. 

In it, the Sussexes introduce themselves informally as “Harry” and “Meghan” and Meghan can also be heard praising Prince Harry's “podcast voice”. The couple’s latest venture is set to bring their listeners “different voices and perspectives that perhaps [they] haven’t heard before”.  

While it’s not yet known exactly who the Duke and Duchess will be featuring on their podcast, a commentator has now suggested it could possibly make things tricky for the Royal Family.

How could Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s podcast pose difficulties?

Commentator Darren Grimes has reportedly warned that Prince Harry and Meghan’s move into podcasting could end up being "dangerous". On his Reasoned show on YouTube, he suggests that this could put the Royal Family in a difficult position if Harry and Meghan interviewed anyone with strong political views.

He also commented on how "We have already seen that they have got their own honours and gongs to hand out now in competition with the Queen's “MBEs OBEs, Knighthoods, you name it”. 

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020

(Image credit: Photo by Phil Harris - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Grimes questioned whether "Meghan and Harry [will] be offering other platforms as far as politics is concerned too”.  He also wondered about what their status as royals is because “this starts to become dangerous territory for the Royal Family”.

According to Grimes, if Prince Harry and Meghan can be “front and centre of a camera on Netflix or the audio of a Spotify playlist elevating those with political opinions”, it could “go against the grain and break royal protocol”.

He suggested the idea that the couple’s new venture “calls into question” the couple’s claims that they want to lead private lives.

How have the Royal Family reacted to Meghan and Harry’s podcast?

The Royal Family have not publicly revealed their feelings about this new announcement. It may be that they, like many potential listeners, will have to wait and see how the Sussexes’ latest venture might affect the family when episodes are released. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior royals earlier this year. Frogmore Cottage remains their UK base, though the couple have now settled in their own home in California with young son Archie.

Harry, Meghan and Archie

(Image credit: Getty Images)

It is thought that their current situation is up for review very soon and the Queen will decide whether to remove their HRH titles. Whether Archewell Audio will have any bearing on any potential decisions remains to be seen.

For now Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be looking forward to their first Christmas in their new home.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!