In a move that has captivated global audiences, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has reportedly drawn a firm line in the sand, severing ties with the British royal family with a resolve that signals no turning back. Alongside her husband, Prince Harry, Meghan has charted a path away from the traditions and financial support of the monarchy, choosing instead to pursue an ambitious vision of financial independence and global influence. Her goal? To amass a billion-dollar fortune, a dream that some speculate could reshape her life—and her marriage—if it remains out of reach. This seismic shift, five years after the couple’s dramatic exit from royal duties, continues to spark debate, admiration, and criticism. What drives Meghan’s unwavering determination, and how is she redefining her legacy in the face of such high stakes?
A Definitive Break from the Palace
When Meghan and Harry announced their decision to step back as senior royals in January 2020, the world watched in shock. Dubbed “Megxit,” their departure was not just a logistical change but a bold statement of intent. The couple cited a desire for privacy, freedom from relentless media scrutiny, and the ability to forge their own financial path as key motivators. However, recent developments suggest Meghan’s resolve has hardened further. Sources indicate she has no intention of returning to the UK, viewing it as a place tied to past struggles rather than future opportunities. This stance extends to Harry, whom Meghan reportedly wishes to keep by her side in their Montecito, California, home, far from the royal orbit.
The decision to reject financial support from the royal family underscores Meghan’s commitment to independence. As working royals, the couple once relied on the Sovereign Grant and funds from the Duchy of Cornwall, controlled by King Charles and later Prince William. After their exit, Charles provided a “substantial sum” to ease their transition, but Meghan and Harry have since distanced themselves from such support. This move aligns with their broader goal of financial autonomy, a cornerstone of their post-royal identity. Yet, it also raises questions about the feasibility of their ambitions, particularly Meghan’s reported aspiration to join the billionaire elite.
The Billionaire Dream: A New American Empire
Meghan’s pursuit of a billion-dollar fortune is not merely a financial goal but a reflection of her vision for herself as a global influencer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Since settling in California, she has launched a series of ventures under the Archewell umbrella, a nonprofit and production company aimed at creating impact through media and charity. The couple’s high-profile deals with Netflix and Spotify, though not as lucrative as initially rumored, have laid the groundwork for their brand. Their Netflix productions, including the docuseries Harry & Meghan, Heart of Invictus, and Meghan’s lifestyle show With Love, Meghan, have showcased their ability to leverage their story for global audiences.
In March 2024, Meghan unveiled her lifestyle brand, initially named American Riviera Orchard and later rebranded as As Ever due to trademark issues. The brand, inspired by the Santa Barbara region where the couple resides, offers products like jams, teas, cookie mixes, and flower sprinkles. Its launch was met with rapid success, with items selling out online in under an hour, signaling Meghan’s knack for tapping into consumer trends. Her ShopMy page, where she promotes fashion and lifestyle products for commission, further diversifies her revenue streams. In April 2025, Meghan debuted a new podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, with Lemonada Media, focusing on turning small ideas into billion-dollar businesses—a clear nod to her own ambitions.
These ventures reflect Meghan’s entrepreneurial spirit, honed during her pre-royal days as an actress on Suits and the creator of the lifestyle blog The Tig. Yet, her billionaire aspirations have drawn skepticism. Critics argue that her reliance on her royal title—despite her rejection of royal duties—creates a paradox. The As Ever brand, for instance, has been accused of capitalizing on the “Meghan Effect,” where her endorsements drive sales, much like her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. Others question whether her products, described as accessible but not revolutionary, can sustain the continuous sales needed for billionaire status.
Challenges and Controversies
Meghan’s journey has not been without hurdles. Her time as a working royal was marked by tensions, from clashes with palace staff to media narratives that painted her as demanding. Reports of strained relationships with family members, including her father, Thomas Markle, and her first husband, Trevor Engelson, have fueled perceptions of Meghan as someone who cuts ties decisively when relationships no longer serve her goals. Her estrangement from the royal family has deepened, with Harry’s memoir Spare and their Oprah Winfrey interview exposing rifts over security, media treatment, and perceived lack of support.
Security remains a contentious issue. Harry has fought legal battles to restore publicly funded protection in the UK, arguing that it’s unsafe for his family to visit without it. His appeals, including a February 2024 High Court ruling against him, have strained his relationship with King Charles, who reportedly refused to meet Harry during a 2024 UK visit. Meghan’s absence from the UK since September 2022 underscores her reluctance to return, a stance that aligns with her focus on building a life in the US.
Financially, the couple’s ventures have faced scrutiny. Their Spotify deal ended in 2023 without delivering the full $20 million payout, and their Netflix contract, set to expire in 2025, has produced mixed results. Critics have called With Love, Meghan unrelatable, citing its polished portrayal of Meghan’s Montecito lifestyle. Despite these setbacks, Meghan remains undeterred, emphasizing her work ethic and desire to connect her personal and professional lives. “I need to work, and I love to work,” she told a journalist, highlighting her drive to provide for her children, Archie and Lilibet.
The Billionaire Question: What If It Fails?
Meghan’s ambition to become a billionaire raises a provocative question: what happens if she falls short? Some speculate that failure could strain her marriage to Harry, who appears content with a quieter life focused on charity, such as his Invictus Games. Posts on X have fueled rumors of divorce, with some users claiming Meghan’s focus on wealth and fame overshadows Harry’s desire for stability. Others argue that Harry’s support for Meghan’s ventures, coupled with their shared commitment to their children, anchors their partnership.
Meghan’s history suggests resilience. Her ability to pivot—from acting to blogging to royal life and now entrepreneurship—demonstrates adaptability. If her billionaire dream falters, she may redirect her energy into new ventures, perhaps leaning further into philanthropy or media production. Her podcast Archetypes, though short-lived, showed her ability to engage audiences on issues like gender and leadership. A second season of With Love, Meghan, slated for late 2025, could solidify her lifestyle brand’s presence.
The couple’s net worth, estimated at $10 million to $30 million, provides a safety net. Harry’s inheritance from the Queen Mother, received on his 40th birthday in 2024, adds to their resources. While not billionaire-level wealth, these funds ensure financial stability, allowing Meghan to take calculated risks. Her focus on community-building, evident in As Ever’s emphasis on “playfulness over perfection,” suggests a long-term strategy to cultivate a loyal customer base.
A Legacy in the Making
Meghan Markle’s journey is one of reinvention. From a Hollywood actress to a royal duchess to a Montecito mogul, she has defied expectations at every turn. Her decision to cut ties with the royal family, reject their financial support, and pursue a billionaire’s lifestyle reflects a woman unafraid to bet on herself. Whether she achieves her lofty goal remains uncertain, but her impact is undeniable. She has redefined what it means to be a modern royal, blending celebrity, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship in a way that resonates with millions.
As Meghan builds her empire, she carries the weight of public scrutiny and the shadow of her royal past. Yet, her story is also one of empowerment, a testament to her belief that ambition knows no bounds. For Harry, Archie, and Lilibet, she is crafting a legacy that transcends titles, rooted in independence and impact. The world watches, captivated, as Meghan Markle chases her billion-dollar dream, proving that sometimes, the boldest moves are the ones that change everything.
