Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have agreed a lucrative deal with streaming giant Spotify to produce exclusive podcasts for the service.

The couple stepped down as senior members of the Royal family earlier this year and promptly moved to California to strive for financial independence.

Since then they have inked a deal with Netflix - worth a reported $100 million (£75 million) - to produce and appear in a number of TV shows and now they have also concluded an agreement to produce audio content for Spotify.

As part of the deal, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will host podcasts that feature "uplifting and entertaining stories" that "build community through shared experiences and values".

In a joint statement, the couple said: "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.

"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 first project - due for release later this month - will be a "holiday special" featuring "stories of hope and compassion from inspirational guests".