The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are preparing for a return to the United Kingdom, with their children, Archie and Lilibet, reportedly enrolled to start at a British school next month. This move has prompted scrutiny over the couple's financial arrangements and how they will fund their life and potential new property in the UK, especially as they are no longer part of the royal payroll.
The Sussexes' estimated joint net worth stands at £45 million, derived from inheritances, media deals, publishing contracts, and Meghan's business ventures. Prince Harry and his brother Prince William reportedly each inherited around £10 million from their mother, Princess Diana, and an additional approximately £19 million from the Queen Mother, with details of the trust fund remaining private. Meghan's net worth was estimated at £4 million at the time of her marriage in 2018, primarily from her acting career.
Following their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, the couple relocated to North America. They purchased a nine-bedroom mansion in Montecito for approximately £11 million, which reportedly incurs annual costs exceeding £450,000 for mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and maintenance, not including security expenses. In 2023, they also acquired a holiday home in Portugal for an estimated £6.3 million.
Their financial ventures have included significant media deals. A reported five-year agreement with Netflix, valued at £75 million, produced the documentary series 'Harry & Meghan' and the lifestyle series 'With Love, Meghan.' However, this initial deal has reportedly been replaced by a less lucrative one. Netflix was also involved in launching Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, though the company later cut ties. A Spotify deal, reportedly worth around £15 million, ended in 2023 after Meghan's podcast 'Archetypes' concluded its first season.
Prince Harry's memoir, 'Spare,' published in January 2023, was a commercial success, reportedly earning him an advance of £16 million as part of a four-book deal. The book sold over 1.43 million copies on its first day of release across the UK, Canada, and the US.
Prince Harry continues to generate income through his role at the coaching and mental health firm BetterUp and via speaking engagements. As the couple prepares for their UK return, the specific location for their new residence remains undisclosed. Reports suggest they have been house-hunting in the Cotswolds, with property sources indicating discreet inquiries about rentals in the area last October.
There are no indications that Harry or Meghan intend to resume royal duties, maintaining their status as private, financially independent individuals. PR consultant Tom Garcia-Bridgeman commented that the couple's commercial ventures were intended to establish them as a global brand independent of the monarchy. However, their potential return to the UK might suggest a reevaluation of this strategy, as their connection to the Royal Family continues to generate significant global interest.
