Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have signed an exclusive deal with Spotify. The streaming giant confirmed the royal pair are to produce and host podcasts, starting with a holiday special that will be released this month. This follows the exclusive multi-year production deal for TV programming with Netflix Inc. they signed in September, having stepped back from royal duties earlier this year. Under a multi-year agreement, the couple's newly formed Archewell Audio will produce programming that "uplifts and entertains audiences around the world" and features "diverse perspectives and voices," the Swedish company said in a statement today. The podcasts will be available free through Spotify, the company that leads the streaming music market. Spotify also offers more than 1.5 million podcast titles such as "The Michelle Obama Podcast" and "Mama Knows Best" by influencer Addison Rae, and reaches more than 320 million active users per month. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Harry and Meghan's first podcast installment will be a holiday special featuring "stories of hope and compassion" to celebrate the new year, the statement said. Their first complete series is expected next year. "What we love about podcasting is that it reminds all of us to take a moment and to really listen, to connect to one another without distraction," the couple said in a joint statement. "With the challenges of 2020, there has never been a more important time to do so, because when we hear each other, and hear each other's stories, we are reminded of how interconnected we all are," the pair added. The deal is the latest move by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to make a living outside of the royal family. The couple moved to Southern California with their infant son Archie this year after stepping back from royal duties in January. CNN reports the pair will "host and produce podcasts that build community through shared experience, narratives, and values." A taste of the husband and wife's podcasting style has been uploaded to Spotify and is appearing on Twitter. In it, Harry and Meghan describe what they wish to achieve with the podcasts. The trailer clip of Archewell Audio is available on the streaming service, accompanied by a short description which reads: "Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, present Archewell Audio." It adds: "Coming soon to Spotify." The preview clip opens with Harry saying: "Shall we start? Ladies first?" Before Meghan adds: "No, say it because I think it sounds really nice with your accent." They then go on to introduce Archewell Audio. Meghan explains: "One of the things my husband and I have always talked about is our passion for meeting people and hearing their stories. "And no matter what the story, they usually offer you an understanding of where someone else is coming from and at the same time remind you in some way of a story about yourself." Harry then continues: "And t
