New Year – New Us.
The Archwell website is officially live, and there’s a lot to unpack.
Let’s start with how the website opens:
I am my mother’s son.
And I am our son’s mother.
Yes, Harry is very much his mother’s son. It’s something those of us that love him have always said. Harry radiates his mother’s warmth, love, and compassion, and the slogan of Archewell itself is Compassion In Action.
From Diana to Harry and from Doria to Meghan, compassion + action have always been the values they hold dear and passed onto their children, and now, Harry and Meghan will pass those on to Archie.
No more waving, ribbon cutting, and playing dress-up. The message is clear: we’re here to work and get things moving, and we’ll do it how we like with whomever we like. Anyone who thinks that The Sussexes are still consulting with The Firm on any of their decisions, needs to get a clue.
It’s not just who they do mention on the site, though; it’s who they left out. No mention of either Harry or Meghan’s fathers, because just as they share an unmistakable bond with their mothers, they also share fracture relationships with their fathers. Of course, this is no surprise to anyone, but the fake outrage crowd has made a fuss about it—also, no mention of the other Royals. If you didn’t know it before, you know it now, we are unbossed, unchained, and unbothered. Perhaps Omid can make that the title of his next book.
Words are powerful, but so is imagery, and the pictures were chosen for the landing page speak a thousand words. Sweet little Harry, on his mother’s head. Meghan and Doria smiling gleefully. It’s thoughtful, it’s heartwarming, and it’s deliberate. The Sussexes are moving on in love and joy.
Then there’s the business side of the website.
Archewell Audio, newly launched and running, Archwell productions, soo to be revealed and The Archewell Foundation, which currently features five incredible organisations focused on what we know The Sussex care about most. They care about the community, food security, altruism, re-imagining our digital landscape, and mental health, specifically black women and girls’ mental health. Of all the chosen organisations, their choice to include The Loveland Foundation, which helps to raise funds for therapy for black women, stood out the most. Black women and girls are going to be centered, seen, and heard.
As we saw with Archewell Audio, once again, there were no leaks. 5 organisations have been chosen so far, and we only knew about one (Global Kitchen) before the site went live, and not a peep anyone who works for them. We’re going to use every opportunity for the rest of the year to point this out, because it illustrates 2 things:
- That no one in The Sussexes circle is a leaker.
- People respect them.
These are both things The Firm and the British Press did not want to happen.
Aside from the messaging, can we talk about the design?
Effortless, sleek, and minimalist. User experience and navigation perfected, but were we expecting anything less? Meghan once had her own blog and platform. She knows how to create and curate, but it’s not just the design; it’s also who is behind the design.
The webmasters behind the Archewell website are a company called ‘Made by Article‘, and here’s their brand ethos: We look for clients who value the same things we do: Good design, strategic innovation, and strong relationships based on mutual respect and collaboration. Most importantly, we’re looking for clients who share our desire to produce great work. Because along with digital products, we’re also building a reputation.
Do our faves miss anything? Everything is chosen with purpose. Anyone expecting them to trip up can go home. Our faves are ready; the Sussex Squad is ready.
One year review – what one year review?