Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing increasing financial scrutiny as concerns grow over their high-cost lifestyle and income stability. According to royal commentator Daniela Elser, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are contending with a “two-pronged headache” in managing their finances, which could eventually put a strain on their coffers.
In her recent article for News.com.au, Elser drew attention to the substantial wealth required to be part of the financial elite. “It’s one of those perennial stories that crop up every year like a recurring, cream-can’t-fix rash – how much money do you need to be considered rich?” she wrote. Currently, she notes, a net worth of over $7 million is necessary to rank in the top 1% of earners. By this standard, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who reportedly have access to substantial funds, are “technically speaking, rolling in it.”
However, as Elser pointed out, the real question on everyone’s minds should be, “How fast can one burn through a fortune?” This question is especially pertinent for the Duke and Duchess, whose primary asset—according to Elser—is their personal story, which she claims “has long since been spent, thoroughly exhausted, wrung out and sucked dry.” The couple’s ongoing financial obligations may soon require them to seek fresh sources of income beyond the media deals they’ve relied on since stepping back from royal duties.
Elser highlighted two pressing financial challenges for the couple: “prong numero uno, how to pull in the serious dosh they will need every year, and prong due, their expenses.” These dual concerns reflect the couple’s high financial needs and the difficulty of sustaining a lifestyle that includes substantial monthly payments.
The Sussexes’ lifestyle costs are indeed substantial, reportedly including a $20 million mortgage, $3 million annual security fees, and an additional $6.6 million per year in day-to-day expenses. These significant costs underscore the financial pressures facing the couple as they continue to live outside the royal fold. Without royal financial support, their income sources must cover these expenses independently, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of their lifestyle.
Although the couple reportedly has access to wealth from several sources, including approximately $12 million from the Queen Mother’s trust and a $100 million deal with Netflix, critics are concerned about the couple’s reliance on these high-profile contracts. Elser expressed concerns shared by some royal insiders, who worry that the Duke and Duchess’ finances may not hold up under the pressure of such substantial expenses, especially if their income from media ventures begins to taper off.
There are also apprehensions within royal circles about what might happen if Harry and Meghan’s finances were to falter. As Elser put it, “According to a new report, Buckingham Palace types are already worried about what could happen if the Duke and Duchess’ expensive lifestyle means their coffers run dry.” This could lead to a difficult situation, particularly if their primary income streams—rooted in their media deals and public personas—begin to dwindle.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s financial journey since their departure from royal duties has captured significant public interest, as they have chosen to independently pursue financial freedom. However, the pressures of maintaining a high-profile lifestyle and supporting security and household expenses in the United States may necessitate further income streams beyond the assets they currently hold.
Ultimately, as Elser pointed out, the couple’s financial path forward may come down to balancing their current lifestyle with sustainable income sources. While they appear well-off by conventional measures, the question remains as to how long their resources will last if they continue at their current level of spending.
