Watch: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appear for the first time since the announcement of pregnancy
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set out some of their ambitions for the year ahead after confirming they would not be returning as senior members of the royal family.
The couple appeared for the first time since the announcement of Meghan’s pregnancy in a short clip shared as part of the Spotify Stream On event.
They signed a deal with the streaming giant last year to create podcasts through their production company Archewell Audio, although only one episode has been released so far.
Meghan explained their purpose for the podcasts, saying, “We use podcasting to have powerful conversations.”
Harry continued: “That inspires, challenges and teaches.”
Former actor Meghan, 39, added, “We created Archewell Audio to ensure that we can raise voices that may not be heard and hear people’s stories.”
Harry, 36, then said, “And most of this is trying to create this community that you can share in. We encourage everyone to then share their own vulnerabilities within that safe space. “
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released their first podcast between Christmas and New Year, talking to friends including James Corden and Sir Elton John about the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on them.
They also produce programs for Netflix.
Watch: Buckingham Palace confirms Harry and Meghan will not be returning as working royals
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The pair confirmed last week that they would not be returning to their past lives as working royals, making the latest announcement more than a month early when they came to an agreement with the queen.
After declaring her wish to step back last year, the Queen gave the couple a 12-month evaluation period, which would end March 31.
But ahead of schedule, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the pair would not be returning as senior royals.
The Queen said they would always be “dear members of the family.”
A YouGov poll following the palace’s statement found that nearly half of Britons felt Prince Harry should be removed from the line of succession.
Harry is sixth in line to the throne, and his son Archie is seventh. The lack of a royal title does not change his position.
In recent history, Prince Michael of Kent was the only person removed from the line of succession when he married Marie-Christine von Reibnitz, now Princess Michael of Kent, because she is a Catholic.
His position in the line was restored when the law changed in 2013, ending the practice of removing those who marry Catholics.
Harry and Meghan now live in Santa Barbara, California, with their one-year-old son Archie, who will become a big brother later this year.
Meghan is expecting their second child, but the due date is unknown.