Meghan Markle becomes Sussex ‘breadwinner’ as Prince Harry’s huge bills spark strain: ‘Money is tight’

MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA: Recent reports suggest that Duchess of Sussex Meghan has emerged as the primary income generator for the household as she and Duke of Sussex Prince Harry navigate financial pressures linked to their high-cost California lifestyle.

As the couple manages substantial annual expenses tied to security, property maintenance, and lifestyle commitments, sources also indicate financial strain within the Sussex household, prompting Meghan to expand her commercial ventures and explore additional revenue streams.

Meghan Markle expands ‘As Ever’ brand amid Sussex financial pressure

The Duchess of Sussex is focusing on expanding her ‘As Ever’ lifestyle range following her recent separation from partner Netflix, while her husband remains primarily engaged in philanthropic work that, though regarded as commendable, generates limited income.

"Money is tight,” said a source in the know, while another added that Markle and Harry require at least $6 million annually to cover operating expenses in the Montecito enclave. As Page Six revealed, the couple reportedly spends around $3 million annually on private security for the family, including their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

They also have mortgage payments on their $15 million mansion. However, Meghan is said to have a close circle of wealthy and influential female friends who are reportedly supportive of her efforts to strengthen her financial standing.

Indeed, a video Markle posted on Instagram on Monday, May 11, to promote ‘As Ever,’ featuring the mother of two eating a strawberry and wistfully gazing out of a window while wearing a $63,000 diamond necklace, was liked by Lauren Sanchez Bezos and her close friend, IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima.

It was also reported that entrepreneur Kern Lima flew Meghan to the G9 Ventures Summer Summit, hosted by investor Amy Griffin in the Hamptons in July 2024, ahead of Markle’s business launch. Last month, Meghan also joined the AI-powered fashion discovery platform ‘OneOff’ as both an investor and featured participant, with her personal “exclusive edits” set to be available for browsing and purchase.

Meghan Markle explores new ventures as Prince Harry focuses on philanthropy

More than two dozen products from the Australia tour reportedly sold out, according to Markle sources, with OneOff cofounder and chief executive officer Emir Talu telling WWD, “OneOff surpassed 1-plus million views of outfits on the site in the first three days since Meghan launched her page on the platform.”

While in Australia, Meghan also hosted a girls’ weekend, where guests paid up to $3,199 to attend the ‘Her Best Life Retreat’ in Sydney, despite only staying for two hours. Netflix and Markle reportedly severed their ‘As Ever’ partnership in April after it was revealed that her tie-in show, ‘With Love, Meghan,’ was not returning for a third season.

Sources claimed Meghan had been left to “carry the whole thing by herself,” a situation that reportedly frustrated some Netflix staffers. There have also been rumors that she has been in discussions with Hollywood executives about a possible return to acting.

Sources this week even suggested the former ‘Suits’ star, who made a cameo appearance in the upcoming film ‘Close Personal Friends,’ was seeking a steady role on a television series, though this was denied by Sussex insiders.

Prince Harry, meanwhile, was reportedly not paid for a speaking engagement at Melbourne’s InterEdge Summit during the quasi-royal Australian visit. His focus remains on his philanthropic initiatives, including the Invictus Games for wounded service members and broader charitable work. 

He also joined Silicon Valley mental health startup BetterUp in 2021 as chief impact officer, earning a reported $1 million annual salary, and is still listed on the company’s website. However, a 2024 report suggested that some staff described his day-to-day responsibilities as minimal, with one former employee stating his role involved “zero things.”