Archie's American accent heard for first time in Meghan Markle and Harry's new podcast

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have shared an adorable voice clip of their son Archie wishing fans a Happy New Year on their debut podcast.

The couple have released the first podcast in their new series, Archewell Audio, as part of a Sh3.265 billion (£30 million) deal with Spotify.

The holiday special includes interviews with a number of impressive guests, including Sir Elton John and James Cordon, but they saved the most special until the end.

The proud parents bring little Archie to the microphone, with Harry saying: "You can speak into it".

Meghan then asks: "Archie is it fun?" and he repeats the word "fun".

The tot then copies his dad to say "Happy New Year", followed by an adorable giggle.

Introducing the episode, Harry says: "Welcome to our 2020 Holiday special.

"As we all know, it's been a year and we really want to honour the compassion and kindness that has helped so many people get through it."

Meghan adds: "And at the same time to honour those who have experienced uncertainty and unthinkable loss.

"Our thoughts have been with you, especially during this holiday season."

Harry adds: "And in too many instances people weren't able to be at a loved one's side or say goodbye as they would have wished."

After thanking front line workers for working through the pandemic, the couple explained that they wanted to bring together people who inspire them to hear what they learnt from 2020.

They asked a list of famous faces - including  musicians, athletes and authors - to record audio diaries to discover "what they would reflect on when they had a moment to themselves".

Harry says: "We hope this brings a little warmth, a smile and something to think about."

The couple also joke about how "you're on mute" being a defining phrase from 2020.

Opening the show, Sir Elton says: "We were in the middle of a tour and then Covid started. We came back to England in May.

"It was very strange because we were going full pelt and then all of a sudden we ground to a halt.

"I'm 73 years old and I'm a semi-diabetic so I'm in a risky area there. I have an underlying condition as they say.

"My relatives, who I love, I haven't been able to see much of them at all. I've only stayed connected to them by phone and my Zoom."

The podcast description reads: "As we come to the end of the year, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, present a special collection of inspiration, reflection, and perspective from guests around the world, including: Stacey Abrams, Christina Adane, José Andrés, Brené Brown, Rachel Cargle, Deepak Chopra, James Corden, Matt Haig, Sir Elton John, Hussain Manawer, Naomi Osaka, Tyler Perry, and George the Poet (plus a surprise or two).

"Curated throughout the month of December, join them as they reflect on the year, speak openly about the power of compassion, and toast to a hopeful 2021."

Royal sources said Buckingham Palace was aware Harry and Meghan had set up their own production company to produce podcasts, but had “no knowledge” of the sums involved.

One well placed insider said: "The initial multi year deal is worth in excess of £30 million with a view to extending the deal within six months.

"Meghan was the driving force behind the deal. She was incredible in the meetings with executives and had a clear vision of what they as a couple have to offer.

"There is a massive buzz about the content and the reach not only for Spotify but for Harry and Meghan, they have the midas touch right now.

“Spotify’s whole business plan is to acquire the world’s most talked about celebrities in one place and Harry and Meghan fit the bill entirely.

"It's a win win scenario."

Spotify announced an estimated Sh29 billion (£200 million) worth of exclusive deals this year with major names in the entertainment world.

Michelle Obama debuted "The Michelle Obama Podcast" on Spotify in July after singing a deal rumoured to be worth tens of millions.

Reality star turned campaigner Kim Kardashian West, married to music mogul Kanye West, also signed an exclusive deal with Spotify in June.

The platform announced a world record breaking exclusive deal worth Sh12 billion (£82 million) with entertainer Joe Rogan in May.

The Spotify deal came after Meghan and Harry also signed a Netflix deal rumoured to be worth more than Sh14 billion (£100 million).

Meghan also narrated the documentary "Elephants" on Disney+.