Prince Harry Reportedly Wanted to Interview Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin for a Podcast About Childhood Trauma
It was one of his Spotify podcast ideas.
![Ivanka Trump (L) and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex view displays of US items of the Royal Collection at Buckingham palace at Buckingham Palace in central London on June 3, 2019, on the first day of their three-day State Visit to the UK. - Britain rolled out the red carpet for US President Donald Trump on June 3 as he arrived in Britain for a state visit already overshadowed by his outspoken remarks on Brexit.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JoXbQidiLZjuqvukjwiRHH-1280-80.png)
Prince Harry had a pretty out-there idea for a podcast when he and Meghan Markle first entered into a contract with Spotify, which was announced in 2020.
Bloomberg investigated the story, speaking to various people with knowledge of Harry's discussions with producers, and found out that—among other things—the Duke of Sussex wanted to interview controversial guests about their childhood traumas. Proposed guests included former U.S. president Donald Trump, current president of Russia Vladimir Putin, and Facebook and Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg.
While if this was able to come to fruition, it would surely have made for fascinating conversations, it was soon pointed out to Harry that these people would be close to impossible to pin down for interviews—especially on such a personal topic.
Harry's other ideas included a podcast about fatherhood, and one about various societal issues, for which he reportedly named Pope Francis as a potential guest.
Aside from a holiday special episode he co-hosted with Meghan in 2020, the duke didn't end up developing a podcast of his own after all.
Meanwhile, the duchess was at the helm of the podcast Archetypes, which was released in 2022 and explored some of the labels that are often unfairly placed on women.
But just this month, it was announced that Archetypes would not be renewed for a second season, and that indeed the Sussexes' contract with Spotify was coming to an end altogether.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"Spotify and Archewell Audio have mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together," a spokesperson for the royal couple said in a statement.
Soon afterwards, Marie Claire reported that Meghan's management had confirmed that the duchess would still "develop content" for fans in the future, and was already considering "another platform," though they left the details at that.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Meghan Markle Exudes Snow Bunny Style in a $1,250 Mackage Puffer
The Duchess of Sussex bundled up in luxury while visiting Whistler, Canada.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
First Tory Burch Pierced Her Shoes. Now She's Piercing Bags
The unexpected style is already taking over fashion week.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Princess Kate is Back on the Repeat Outfit Train
The Princess of Wales wore the same outfit during a hospital visit last month.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How Prince Archie Has Been Learning About His Grandma Princess Diana's Charity Work
Prince Harry shared that his 5-year-old son has become curious about one particular topic.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Shares an Emotional Update on How He and Meghan Markle Are Coping After Losing Guy
He made the revelation after meeting a 3-year-old service dog named Thorn at the Invictus Games.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Came Face to Face With a Funko Pop of Himself in a Sweet Moment with Kids at Invictus Games
Small fans, big moment.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle's Latest Outfit Just Solved a 6-Year-Old Royal Fashion Mystery
Her Invictus Games wardrobe includes a previously unidentified designer coat and a baby alpaca trench.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Archie and Lilibet Aren't at the Invictus Games in Canada With Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
Royal experts break down why the little prince and princess have remained at home in California.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Kisses Prince Harry at Invictus Games Event, Says He "Means a Lot" to Her
The Duchess of Sussex even mentioned their "sweet, excited children" in her impromptu speech.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
32 Celebrities Who Got to Meet the British Royal Family
From Marilyn Monroe to Miley Cyrus.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
This Unexpected Royal Has Been Tapped Be "British Government's Trump Card" When It Comes to Relations With United States
President Trump has long been an admirer of the Royal Family.
By Kristin Contino Published