Meghan Markle
DUSSELDORF, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 15: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex attend the sitting volleyball during day six of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 on September 15, 2023 in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, seems poised to dive into a new venture, potentially penning a hefty contract with Audible, Amazon’s popular audio storytelling subsidiary. Markle’s stride into the auditory arts world is not just a career move but a pivotal point that could redefine her standing in the entertainment sphere.

This progression comes after Markle’s 12-episode stint with Spotify, which, despite its promising inception post-royal life, concluded rather abruptly amidst a flurry of controversy. The Spotify journey, marked by a solitary podcast series ‘Archetypes’, fizzled out, casting a shadow on the Sussexes’ media endeavours. Notably, the parting, mired in industry chatter, left a bittersweet aftertaste, with Spotify’s Bill Simmons candidly labelling the royal couple as ‘grifters’.

Yet, the sphere of digital storytelling remains abuzz with anticipation as Markle, 42, reportedly sets her sights on Audible. Insiders hint at a lucrative deal, one that could eclipse her previous $29 million Spotify engagement. It’s a tantalising prospect, aligning her with esteemed personalities such as the Obamas, who’ve also dabbled in Audible’s expansive audio universe.

Meghan Markle
14 September 2023, North Rhine-Westphalia, Duesseldorf: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend a meeting with NATO representatives on the sidelines of the 6th Invictus Games at Merkur Spiel Arena. Photo: Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa (Photo by Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The stakes? Higher than ever. After a tumultuous phase, including a Spotify exit and unmaterialised whispers about a Dior collaboration, The Duchess is at a crucial juncture. The pressure is palpable, with sleepless nights indicative of the career-defining nature of this potential deal. The Duchess faces not just the challenge of artistic creation but also the daunting task of dispelling doubts cast by previous ventures.

Contrary to speculative tides, Amazon maintains a stoic front, offering no confirmation of the circulating rumours. Similarly, the Markle camp holds its cards close, providing no comments. Amidst this, anticipation simmers, especially following her alignment with Hollywood bigwig agency WME.

In contrast, Markle’s Netflix foray with husband Prince Harry, punctuated by Harry & Meghan and Heart of Invictus, highlights a brighter narrative, perhaps a beacon of hope for her auditory ambitions. As the world watches with bated breath, Markle’s next steps could well script an inspiring comeback story or signal an unceremonious finale in her media narrative.