The special holiday episode of the Archewell podcast, launched on Tuesday by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, included appearances from a slew of celebrities—and also their 18-month-old son, Archie. Speaking in an American accent the toddler, who has been living in Los Angeles with his parents since April, told his mum and dad speaking into the microphone was “fun.”
Encouraged by Harry and Meghan, who have deliberately kept their son out of the spotlight since his birth, Archie wished listeners a “happy new year,” prompting delighted laughter from his parents. The Sussexes, whose new audible series Archewell Audio launched on Spotify on Tuesday, are said to be “very excited” about their new venture, which they have said they hope will “uplift and entertain audiences around the world.”
Celebrities featured in the episode include Sir Elton John, who sang at the couple’s wedding, and Tyler Perry, who lent the couple Beverly Hills mansion when they arrived in Los Angeles at the start of the lockdown. Other celebrities who reflected on the year included Stacey Abrams, Naomi Osaka, Deepak Chopra, James Corden, and London-based teenage activist Christina Adane.
Harry and Meghan have said they want the podcast to be an opportunity to listen to other people’s stories and shine a spotlight on causes and issues close to them. It is the first major venture for their charitable foundation Archewell, which will be the couple’s key philanthropic venture. Sources close to the Sussexes say the charity will focus heavily on community and helping others.
Harry and Meghan wrote the podcast episode themselves, and sources say they will be personally involved with every show hand picking the themes and guests. The debut episode ended with the gospel song “This Little Light of Mine,” which was played at the end of their 2018 wedding. Prince Harry said the song was very meaningful to them adding, “The message of this song is one we hold so dearly. It’s about using the power we each have within us to make this world a better place.”
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