Meghan Markle is reportedly taking a larger role in supporting the Sussex household financially as sources claim the couple is dealing with increasing expenses tied to their California lifestyle.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Markle has become "basically the breadwinner" for the family while continuing to expand her As Ever lifestyle brand following the end of its partnership with Netflix. At the same time, Prince Harry is said to be concentrating mainly on philanthropic work and personal projects that reportedly generate far less income.
The reported financial pressure comes as the Sussexes continue maintaining their high-profile lifestyle in Montecito, California, where operating expenses are said to remain extremely costly.
According to individuals familiar with the matter, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry require at least $6 million annually to cover operating expenses tied to their life in Montecito.
Meghan Markle is reportedly focusing heavily on expanding her business ventures A major portion of that spending reportedly goes toward private security for the family. Reports indicate the couple spends roughly $3 million each year on security arrangements for themselves and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 4.
In addition to security costs, the Sussexes are also responsible for mortgage payments connected to their $15 million California mansion.
The financial demands have reportedly increased pressure on Markle to continue building revenue streams through new business ventures, partnerships and brand projects.
The reported financial pressure comes as the Sussexes continue maintaining their high-profile lifestyle in Montecito, California, where operating expenses are said to remain extremely costly.
Sussex household expenses reportedly continue rising
Sources stated that "money is tight" for the couple despite their public profile and business ventures.According to individuals familiar with the matter, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry require at least $6 million annually to cover operating expenses tied to their life in Montecito.
Meghan Markle is reportedly focusing heavily on expanding her business ventures A major portion of that spending reportedly goes toward private security for the family. Reports indicate the couple spends roughly $3 million each year on security arrangements for themselves and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 4. In addition to security costs, the Sussexes are also responsible for mortgage payments connected to their $15 million California mansion.
The financial demands have reportedly increased pressure on Markle to continue building revenue streams through new business ventures, partnerships and brand projects.
Markle expands business ventures after Netflix split
Following the reported end of her As Ever partnership with Netflix in April, Markle has focused heavily on expanding her personal business activities.The streaming company reportedly separated from the As Ever collaboration after her tie-in series, "With Love, Meghan," was not renewed for a third season.
Sources connected to Markle claimed she had been left to "carry the whole thing by herself," reportedly creating frustration among Netflix employees.
At the same time, Markle has continued using social media and brand collaborations to support As Ever's visibility.
One recent Instagram promotional video for the brand showed Markle eating a strawberry and looking out a window while wearing a diamond necklace reportedly valued at $63,000. The post drew attention online and was liked by Lauren Sánchez Bezos and Markle's friend Jamie Kern Lima, the founder of IT Cosmetics.
Meghan Markle is reportedly taking a larger role in supporting the Sussex household financially Kern Lima had previously flown Markle to the G9 Ventures Summer Summit in the Hamptons during July 2024 ahead of the launch of her business projects. The summit was hosted by investor Amy Griffin. Fashion, retail and event ventures add new income streams
Last month, Markle also joined the AI-powered fashion platform OneOff as both an investor and featured participant.The platform allows users to browse and purchase products connected to celebrity wardrobes. Markle joined several other public figures connected to the service, including Suki Waterhouse, Emma Chamberlain, Kate Hudson and Shay Mitchell.
Through the arrangement, Markle earns a percentage from product sales linked to her featured fashion selections, including clothing worn during her recent Australia tour.
The move generated criticism from some observers who questioned whether the focus on monetized fashion content conflicted with her philanthropic image.
According to sources connected to Markle, more than two dozen items connected to the Australia tour sold out. OneOff cofounder and CEO Emir Talu told WWD that the platform recorded more than one million outfit views during the first three days after Markle launched her page.
During the same Australia visit, Markle also hosted a women-focused event called the Her Best Life Retreat in Sydney's Coogee area. Guests reportedly paid as much as $3,199 to attend despite Markle appearing for only around two hours.
Harry continues focusing on charity and BetterUp
While Markle expands business opportunities, Prince Harry is reportedly continuing to prioritize philanthropic work.During the Australian trip, Harry participated in Melbourne's InterEdge Summit but was not paid for the speaking engagement.
His major focus remains the Invictus Games project supporting wounded military veterans along with his broader charitable efforts.
Harry also continues working with Silicon Valley mental health company BetterUp, where he joined in 2021 as chief impact officer. Reports have suggested his annual salary is approximately $1 million.
Although Harry still appears on BetterUp's official website and sources confirmed he remains involved with the company, scrutiny around his role increased after a Daily Beast report published in August 2024.
According to the report, some staff members questioned the clarity of Harry's responsibilities within the company. One former employee reportedly claimed his day-to-day duties involved "zero things."
Markle has focused heavily on expanding her personal business activities The report surfaced during a difficult period for BetterUp after the company laid off roughly 16 percent of its workforce. Sources cited by the outlet also said BetterUp failed to meet revenue projections and later faced backlash from contract coaches after changes were made to their pay structure. Despite the financial and business pressures, Harry reportedly hopes to return to the UK with his family in July for a one-year countdown event tied to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. However, the visit depends on whether the British government approves security arrangements for the Sussex family during their stay.