How Do Meghan and Harry Earn Their Money?

 

From Royal Allowance to Financial Independence

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior working royals in 2020, they didn’t just leave behind titles and official duties — they walked away from the financial system that had sustained their royal lives. It was a bold, risky move, one that forced the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to redefine what financial independence looks like for modern royalty.

Today, the couple live in Montecito, California, running their own businesses, signing lucrative deals, and managing a charitable foundation — all while navigating the fine line between public figures and private entrepreneurs.

Here’s how Meghan and Harry transformed from palace-funded royals to self-made global personalities.

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Life Before the Exit: Royal Funding Explained

Before their royal departure, Harry and Meghan received 95% of their income from the Duchy of Cornwall, which was then controlled by Harry’s father — Prince Charles, now King Charles III. The remaining 5% came from the Sovereign Grant, a taxpayer-funded allowance used to support official royal duties and upkeep of royal residences.

In essence, every public engagement, charity visit, or overseas tour was funded by the Crown and, indirectly, the British taxpayer.

That financial setup ended when the couple announced they were stepping back from royal life in early 2020 — meaning they would no longer receive any money from royal funds.

“My family literally cut me off financially,” Harry revealed in his 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, explaining that he used inheritance money from his late mother, Princess Diana, to support his family through the transition.

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The Royal Exit and King Charles’s Support

Though the couple sought financial independence, King Charles did help them during their transition. Reports confirm he provided them with “a substantial sum” to help establish their new life abroad.

This financial cushion allowed the Sussexes to relocate to California, purchase their $14 million Montecito mansion, and begin laying the groundwork for their new ventures.

But soon after, they were determined to earn their own income — on their own terms.

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Archewell Foundation: Purpose and Philanthropy

In 2020, Harry and Meghan founded the Archewell Foundation, their primary charitable organization. The name “Archewell” combines their son Archie’s name and the Greek word “arche,” meaning “source of action.”

The foundation focuses on causes such as mental health, women’s empowerment, racial equality, and community aid. While Archewell operates as a non-profit, it is also closely tied to their personal brand, helping the couple maintain their philanthropic image while supporting their media ventures.

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Lucrative Business Deals and Media Empire

Financial independence came quickly once Harry and Meghan entered the world of private enterprise.

They signed a multi-million dollar deal with Netflix to produce documentaries, films, and scripted content. Their first major project, Harry & Meghan, became one of Netflix’s most-watched docuseries of 2022, offering an intimate look at their royal departure and personal struggles.

The couple also inked a podcast deal with Spotify, which saw Meghan hosting Archetypes — a show that explored the labels and stereotypes women face. While their partnership with Spotify ended in 2023, it marked a significant step in their evolution from royals to digital media figures.

In addition, Harry released his memoir “Spare,” which shattered publishing records, selling over 1.4 million copies on its first day. The deeply personal book reportedly earned him a $20 million advance, cementing his place as both a bestselling author and one of the most financially successful royals in history.

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New Ventures: Sussex.com and a Strategic Rebrand

In early 2024, the couple unveiled Sussex.com, their new official website, blending personal branding, business ventures, and charitable work under one elegant digital hub.

The sleek new site signals a more unified direction for their image — part royal, part celebrity, and fully independent. Through it, the Sussexes highlight their philanthropic projects, media work, and future collaborations, presenting themselves as global thought leaders rather than ex-royals.

“We believe in the power of connection and compassion,” the site reads — a subtle nod to their ongoing mission of redefining what modern royalty can mean.

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What They’ve Built: The Sussex Portfolio

Today, Meghan and Harry’s income streams include:

• 🎬 Netflix productions (including documentaries and future scripted projects)

• 🎙️ Podcasting and media ventures

• 📖 Book deals, including Harry’s Spare and potential future releases

• 🌎 Speaking engagements at major global events

• 🕊️ The Archewell Foundation, focused on philanthropy and social impact

Their combined net worth is estimated to be around $60 million, a testament to their success in creating a post-royal identity rooted in influence rather than obligation.

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From Palace to Power Players

In just a few years, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have proven that life beyond the palace gates can still be powerful — and profitable.

They’ve replaced royal funding with creative control, exchanged protocol for passion projects, and built a brand that transcends monarchy while still leveraging its mystique.

Once bound by duty, Harry and Meghan now answer only to their own vision — one that merges purpose, storytelling, and independence.

Their journey from palace payroll to entrepreneurial success hasn’t been without criticism, but it has undeniably changed the conversation about what it means to be royal in the 21st century.