Meghan Markle attempts a new podcast barely a year after Archetypes failed but all hints point at another shortlived deal with Lemonada. In February 2024, the Duchess of Sussex signed a deal with Lemonada Media to launch a new podcast set to debut next year “at the earliest.” Insiders believe this new project could experience slight hiccups, especially when it comes to sourcing for celebrity guests with the Sussexes’ ever-reducing circle. However, even that pales in comparison to the bigger issue the Duchess may face — herself.
Royal commentator Rupert Bell weighed in on this new venture, which could be a ticking time bomb given Meghan Markle’s history with Podcasts. Appearing on the YouTube series Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered, the royal commentator recalled how the Duchess made her previous Spotify podcast — Archetypes — about her, rather than focusing on digging deeper into the lives of her celebrity guests.
He cited Meghan Markle’s interview with Serena Williams on Archetypes, where the controversial royal failed to harness the endless possibilities presented on a platter. According to him, Meghan should have focused on exploring the tennis champion’s life story on and off the court, rather than continually finding ways to steer the conversation toward herself. Rupert divulged,
“That would have got people listening all over the world. But instead, Meghan couldn’t resist making it about her at times, and she did it with some of the other people she had on.”
Rupert Bell cited this tendency to make things about her as the major reason Meghan Markle’s upcoming Lemonada podcast would most likely fail. He shared,
“The problem is I sometimes think Meghan can’t let go and wants it to be about her.”
Meghan Markle Descends to New Lows With New Podcast
Another issue the Duchess of Sussex may face in her new venture is the short supply of A-listers willing to associate with her. Notably, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been rumored to have fallen out with a handful of celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham, George Clooney, and even Oprah Winfrey. This expanding list of estranged “former friends” would deter others from associating with the couple, especially with their reputation at stake. Celebrity PR Specialist Kaley Cornelius divulged,
“It may deter others from working with the Duchess due to concerns about how it could impact their own reputations.”
According to Kayley, one of Meghan Markle’s first celebrity choice for her new podcast would be longtime pal Priyanka Chopra. Tom Holland and Zendaya, who reportedly keep in touch with the Sussexes, could also receive invitations to feature on the podcast. However, the chances remain slim due to their “unavailability” or “high charges.”
With her list of A-listers in short supply or out of reach, Meghan may turn to her former Suits co-stars like Abigail Spencer and Wendell Pierce. Experts consider this last resort a fall from grace and a “step backward” for the Duchess of Sussex, as these stars aren’t exactly A-listers. Considering all these, Meghan Markle’s Lemonada Podcast could be another failure waiting to happen.
