Just weeks ago, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle teased everyone with one of their first public-facing new projects since stepping down as senior royals. The couple shared a preview of Archewell Audio, their new podcast promising conversations that present different voices and perspectives.
The first episode dropped on December 29. Dubbed the "2020 Archewell Audio Holiday Special," the episode features musings on 2020 and the year ahead from some big names. Stacey Abrams, Deepak Chopra, and Elton John are just some of those who shared their thoughts with Harry and Meghan.
Harry and Meghan seem totally in their element presenting the recordings provided by artists and leaders. The best part, hands down, comes at the end of the podcast, when the couple shares the surprise they hint at in their episode notes. We get treated to a greeting from none other than 1-year-old Archie Harrison himself. Hearing the little guy share some of his early words reminds us just how quickly Harry and Meghan's bundle of joy, who will turn 2 in May, is growing up.
Harry and Meghan have released the first episode of their Archewell Audio podcast. The couple released a preview a few weeks back, promising to share stories from different perspectives that lead to self-reflection. They delivered in their holiday special, which debuted on December 29.
For their podcast debut, Harry and Meghan asked a number of their high-profile friends from different walks of life to record audio diaries. They were asked, first, to reflect on 2020. Obviously, there was no shortage of things to say.
"As we come to the end of this year and look to the future, let's hold onto the lessons we've learned about how important it is to take care of one another, and how meaningful our connections are — even when they’re physically impossible," Prince Harry says in the podcast.
"We thought, what if we can bring together some people that inspire us — people that we admire … and get their thoughts on what they learned from 2020? So we asked a few friends and a lot of other folks: activists, poets," Meghan continues.
"Athletes, writers," Harry adds.
"Teachers, and artists — people from all walks of life," Meghan chimes in.
"We wanted to know what they'll remember about this year, how they'd explain it to future generations, what they learned about themselves, and what gives them hope," Meghan says.
"Their responses have given us a lot to think about. And it all came back to one thing: to the power of connection."
The couple received anecdotes from an impressive collection of people. There's commentary from Elton John, Stacey Abrams, Brené Brown, Deepak Chopra, James Corden, and more. Additional musings come from Tyler Perry, Naomi Osaka, Rachel Cargle, and Hussain Manawer. The guests each offer a thought-provoking take on their year.
Harry and Meghan also took time out to extend their sympathies to all those who lost loved ones this year. They also shared their gratitude for essential workers.
"As we all know, it's been a year," Harry says.
"And we really want to honor the compassion and kindness that has helped so many people get through it."
"At the same time, to honor those who have experienced uncertainty and unthinkable loss, our thoughts have been with you, especially during this holiday season," Meghan continues.
"We also want to thank health care workers, frontline service workers, and so many others for their sacrifices."
The couple then found a beautiful note to close out the podcast on.
They leave listeners with a song with special significance to them.
"Not a toast per se, but a song, which is about shining a light. A song that means so much to us," Harry says.
"It played at the very end of our wedding, while we were walking down the steps of the church," Meghan explains. "It was the music that we wanted playing when we started our lives together."
"Because as we all know, 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.'"
"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," Harry says.
Then, with a knowing tone, Meghan adds, "No matter what life throws at you guys, trust us when we say, love wins."
They then play "This Little Light of Mine."
Just at the end of the episode, we get the show's final special guest.
"You can speak into it," Harry's heard directing.
"Archie, is it fun?" Meghan asks.
"Fun!" Archie squeals. It's the first time we've heard the 1½-year-old's voice.
"After me," Harry says. "Happy …"
"Happy!" Archie repeats.
"New …" Harry and Meghan continue.
"New … Year!" Archie exclaims.
The family erupts into laughter. You hear Harry's signature "Boom!" sign-off as Archie lets out one last giggle. It was a delightful surprise and a little something for royal fans all over the globe to enjoy.
