Since stepping back from their roles as senior royals in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been at the center of global attention, not only for their bold decision to forge a new path in the United States but also for their financial ventures and personal lives. Recently, reports have surfaced suggesting that Prince Harry has expressed concerns over Meghan’s extravagant spending habits, which are allegedly straining the couple’s finances at a time when their family wealth is not as robust as it once was. This revelation has sparked widespread discussion, shedding light on the challenges the Duke and Duchess of Sussex face as they navigate their post-royal lives. From high-profile media deals to a luxurious lifestyle in Montecito, California, the couple’s financial journey is a complex tale of ambition, independence, and scrutiny.
When Harry and Meghan announced their departure from royal duties, they vowed to become financially independent while continuing to support Queen Elizabeth II and the Commonwealth. This decision marked a significant shift, as they relinquished access to the substantial funds provided by the royal family, estimated to be worth $28 billion, including assets like castles, properties, and the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant. Prior to their exit, approximately 95% of their income came from Harry’s father, then Prince of Wales, with the remaining 5% from the Sovereign Grant. After stepping down, King Charles provided them with a “substantial sum” to help establish their new life, but the couple has since relied heavily on their own ventures to sustain their lifestyle.
The Sussexes’ move to Montecito, California, set the stage for their new chapter. They purchased a $14.7 million estate, complete with seven bedrooms and 13.5 bathrooms, taking out a $10 million mortgage to do so. This lavish home, situated in a star-studded neighborhood alongside celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, reflects their desire for a private yet luxurious life. However, maintaining such a lifestyle comes with significant costs, including an estimated $2-3 million annually for round-the-clock private security, a necessity given their high-profile status. These expenses, combined with Meghan’s reported penchant for high-end fashion and other extravagances, have raised questions about the sustainability of their financial strategy.
Meghan’s spending habits have long been a topic of discussion. Even before their royal exit, her wardrobe choices drew attention for their extravagance. For instance, during their engagement announcement in 2017, Meghan wore a $75,000 Ralph and Russo dress, a stark contrast to the more frugal fashion choices of other royals like Kate Middleton, whose 2018 wardrobe was estimated at $85,097 compared to Meghan’s $508,258. While these costs were initially covered by Prince Charles’ office, they highlighted a perceived lack of frugality that reportedly concerned Queen Elizabeth II, who was known for her wartime-instilled sense of economy despite her vast wealth. After moving to the U.S., Meghan’s continued preference for designer outfits and luxury purchases has fueled speculation that her spending may be outpacing the couple’s income.
The claim that Harry has admitted to Meghan’s overspending stems from reports suggesting tension over their financial management. While no direct quote from Harry confirms this, sources indicate that Meghan was “surprised and disappointed” by Harry’s wealth when they met, expecting him to be worth “hundreds of millions, if not billions.” Harry’s net worth at the time was estimated at around $35 million, largely from inheritances from Princess Diana and the Queen Mother. Since their departure, the couple has amassed an estimated combined net worth of $60 million, bolstered by lucrative deals with Netflix, Spotify, and Penguin Random House. However, these ventures have not been without challenges, and their financial success is not as assured as it may seem.
The Netflix deal, reportedly worth $100 million, has produced high-profile projects like the docuseries Harry & Meghan, which broke viewership records, and Live to Lead, featuring interviews with global leaders. However, other projects, such as the animated series Pearl, were canceled, and Heart of Invictus failed to gain significant traction. Similarly, their Spotify partnership, valued at $25 million, resulted in Meghan’s podcast Archetypes, which briefly topped charts but ended after one season, with the couple not receiving the full payout. These setbacks suggest that while the Sussexes have secured high-value contracts, not all have translated into consistent revenue streams.
Publishing has been a bright spot for the couple, particularly Harry’s memoir Spare. Released in 2023, the book sold over 3.2 million copies in its first week, becoming the fastest-selling nonfiction book ever, according to Guinness World Records. Rumored to be part of a $20 million multi-book deal, Spare provided a significant financial boost, though Harry donated $1.5 million of the proceeds to his charity, Sentebale. Meghan’s children’s book, The Bench, also achieved success, landing on the New York Times bestseller list with an estimated advance of $618,000. These literary endeavors have helped offset some of their expenses, but they may not be sufficient to sustain their current lifestyle indefinitely.
Adding to their financial pressures are ongoing legal battles. Harry’s recent challenge against the UK government to restore his state-funded security was unsuccessful, potentially leaving him with substantial legal fees. He has argued that adequate security is essential for his family’s safety in the UK, stating, “The UK is my home. The UK is central to the heritage of my children. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe.” The loss of this case, combined with the high cost of private security, underscores the financial burdens the couple faces.
Meghan’s latest venture, the lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, launched in 2024, aims to capitalize on her public persona with products like fragrances, skincare, and home goods. Modeled after successful brands like Goop, it has generated buzz but also skepticism about its potential to compete in a crowded market. Similarly, her new podcast deal with Lemonada Media, announced in February 2024, seeks to revive her audio career, but its success remains uncertain. These projects reflect the couple’s ambition to diversify their income, but they also highlight the risks of relying on unproven ventures.
Public perception of the Sussexes’ finances is further complicated by their strained relationship with the royal family. In Spare, Harry detailed tensions with his brother, Prince William, and father, King Charles, including a physical altercation with William over Meghan’s perceived difficulties. He also claimed that Charles cited financial constraints when discussing support for Harry and Meghan, saying, “I can’t pay for anyone else. I’m already having to pay for your brother and Catherine.” These revelations have deepened the rift, with Harry admitting in a 2025 BBC interview that some family members “will never forgive” him for the memoir. This fallout limits their access to royal resources, forcing them to rely solely on their own earnings.
Despite their wealth, the Sussexes’ financial situation is precarious compared to other royals. Prince William, with access to the Duchy of Cornwall’s vast resources, is in a far stronger position. Harry and Meghan’s $60 million net worth, while substantial, is a fraction of the royal family’s $28 billion fortune. Their high-profile lifestyle, coupled with inconsistent income from media ventures, raises concerns about long-term financial stability. Reports of Meghan’s spending, whether on fashion, travel, or home upgrades, amplify these concerns, particularly if Harry is indeed worried about their dwindling reserves.
The couple’s efforts to build a global brand have not been without criticism. Some argue that their focus on commercial ventures undermines their charitable goals, as seen with their Archewell Foundation, which has faced scrutiny over its funding and impact. Others view their spending as a natural extension of their royal background, where luxury is expected. Regardless, the narrative of Meghan’s alleged overspending has struck a chord, fueling debates about privilege, responsibility, and the cost of independence.
As Harry and Meghan continue to carve out their place in the world, their financial journey remains a captivating saga. The tension between their ambitious ventures and the realities of their expenses underscores the challenges of transitioning from royal life to self-made success. Whether American Riviera Orchard becomes the next Goop or their media projects regain momentum, the Sussexes’ story is far from over. For now, the world watches as they balance their dreams with the demands of their high-profile existence, proving that even princes and duchesses must navigate the complexities of money and fame.
