The Duchess of Sussex may have earned £155,000 from Netflix alone, it has been claimed
Meghan Markle is enjoying a six-figure sum from Suits after the TV drama has soared in popularity, according to reports.
The TV series ended in 2019 but has recently enjoyed a resurgence on streaming giant Netflix.
Suits, which starred the Duchess of Sussex in an ensemble cast, has now been sold to more than 240 territories across every continent, with repeat fees lining the pockets of its stars.
Media giant NBCUniversal, which manages sales of the series, has remained tight-lipped about what royalties actors earn from its deals.
However, The Mail has estimated the duchess earned nearly £155,000 from Netflix alone.
Meghan, 42, played the fiery paralegal Rachel Zane from 2011 to 2017, before quitting as an actress to get engaged to Prince Harry.
During her engagement interview, Meghan explained her decision to quit acting, saying: “I don’t see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change.
“It’s a new chapter, right? And also, keep in mind, I’ve been working on [Suits] for seven years.”
Meghan Markle has been ‘reminiscing’ over her Suits days, according to reports
The series broke records last year when it dropped on Netflix and US platform Peacock, becoming the most-streamed show of 2023 and topping the charts for 12 weeks running.
The surprise success led the BBC to use licence-payers’ money to outbid ITV and buy the UK rights for iPlayer.
The British Broadcasting Corporation has not revealed how much it spent on the deal, or whether Meghan benefited financially.
When asked about the show’s resurgence last year, the duchess described the success as “wild”, adding that she had “no idea” what was behind it.
Harry comes out fighting as he and Meghan smile through the pain
Meghan Markle stepped down as a working royal in 2020
An NBC source confirmed “principal performers” like Meghan get paid royalties, called “residuals” from global sales, generally earning a percentage of the deal price.
The show’s revival, which has now inspired a spin-off series, is likely linked to the public interest in Meghan.
Entertainment expert Mark Boardman told Newsweek last year: “Meghan Markle’s rise to global fame has undeniably raised the profile of the show.
“Meghan’s critics would also be especially curious to see her performances and are intrigued to better understand her persona.”
