Meghan and Harry, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, released the first episode of their new podcast Archewell Audio with Spotify last night. Starting with a Christmas special, it's receiving tons of listens with fans of the Sussexes, of course, thrilled. Their detractors? Not so much. Comments on an online piece about the news include the following:
'Can't stand these two.'
'Who actually listens to these free loaders ?'
'Wow for a couple so desperate to avoid the media, limelight and have absolute privacy, they are seemingly going about it in entirely the wrong way.'
'Didn’t they want a quiet, private life they certainly have the means to achieve this so why do they keep trying to draw attention back to themselves.'
'I’d rather watch paint dry.'
'Who exactly do they love besides themselves?'
These individuals are complaining that the couple have called for privacy but still partake in public events and projects, as if asking for discretion and a right to be safe in their own homes means that they should lock the doors and never be seen again. They have also been criticised for signing a financial deal with Spotify, despite the fact that the same critics slammed them for taking public money. Naturally, they either need public money, or have to find a private income. They have done the latter.
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, has explored podcasts before. She was a guest on Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast. She and her husband William have also signed a TV deal. Here are some of the comments on a news piece on the same site as the above, concerning Kate’s podcast venture.
‘She comes across a genuinely nice, warm, lovely person. She was honest and appreciative of how lucky she was to have the help of her family.’
‘She really is lovely and genuine.’
‘They seem so genuine and sweet to me. Seem to be a very loving family. I'm actually kind of jealous.’
‘Her happy childhood allows her to pass it on. She's very fortunate. I'm happy for her and her children.’
‘There is no hidden agenda, no plans for world domination, just a love for children and her country.’
That last one seems to summarise the issue. Meghan’s media career is seen as having a hidden agenda and part of a plan to take over the planet. Kate’s is seen as expressing her humanity and desire to be united with her future subjects.
What is the difference between their efforts? Both couples have announced deals to make television programmes and documentaries. One of those couples is criticised far more for doing so. That is despite the fact that Harry and Meghan are no longer senior royals and have a right to explore new avenues.
The different reactions speaks to the issues that many of us have noticed in the treatment of Kate and Meghan. Is it about class? Race? A distrust of actresses? A dislike of divorcees? All of the above? Whatever the answer, it’s time those who jump automatically to criticism with Meghan and not with Kate pause before they type.
READ MORE: Still Complaining About Harry And Meghan? They're Not The Problem