From Royal Duties to Independent Wealth: The Sussex Financial Journey
While they may have stepped away from official royal responsibilities, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continue to capture global attention. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently made headlines at the Sundance Film Festival, attending the premiere of 'Cookie Queens,' a documentary produced by their company Archewell Productions. Their presence on the red carpet and behind-the-scenes involvement has sparked renewed interest in their post-royal lives.
Building a New Fortune Beyond the Palace Walls
Since their dramatic exit from senior royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have meticulously constructed a new life and substantial wealth outside the traditional royal framework. According to recent reports from Parade magazine, their combined net worth in 2026 stands at approximately USD 60 million, equivalent to about GBP 46-48 million. This impressive financial standing represents a diverse portfolio of income streams that blend inheritance with entrepreneurial ventures.
The Multi-Faceted Sources of Sussex Wealth
Media and Streaming Agreements: The cornerstone of their financial independence remains their landmark deal with Netflix. Signed in 2020, this five-year agreement was valued at USD 100 million and established Archewell Productions as a content creation entity. Their successful docuseries 'Harry & Meghan' attracted massive viewership, though recent reports indicate the original agreement wasn't renewed in the same format for 2025-2026. Instead, future projects may operate under different contractual arrangements.
Prior to their Netflix partnership, the couple secured a lucrative Spotify deal worth between USD 18-25 million for Meghan's 'Archetypes' podcast. Although the podcast lasted only one season, this substantial payment provided crucial momentum for their early post-royal financial endeavors.
Literary Success and Publishing Ventures
Book Projects and Royal Memoirs: Prince Harry's deeply personal memoir 'Spare' generated significant revenue, with publishing advances rumored to exceed USD 20 million. While portions were donated to charitable causes, substantial earnings continue from ongoing sales. Meghan contributed to their literary income through her children's book 'The Bench,' which added approximately USD 700,000 to their wealth, supplemented by narration projects and writing assignments.
Inheritance and Pre-Royal Careers
Family Legacy and Personal Savings: A considerable portion of Harry's wealth originates from royal inheritance. He received approximately USD 10 million from his mother Princess Diana's estate, along with USD 8.5 million from the Queen Mother's trust upon reaching age 40. While royal allowances from the Duchy of Cornwall ceased after their departure, these inheritances provided financial stability.
Meghan entered the relationship with substantial personal savings from her acting career, particularly her role on 'Suits' which paid USD 50,000 per episode, combined with income from other acting projects and her lifestyle blog 'The Tig.'
Speaking Engagements and Corporate Roles
Public Appearances and Business Positions: The Sussexes command significant fees for public speaking engagements, often reaching USD 1 million per event. They address topics including leadership development, mental health awareness, and social justice initiatives—areas reflecting their genuine passions. Additionally, Harry serves as Chief Impact Officer at mental health startup BetterUp, a position typically offering seven-figure compensation that expands their professional network beyond royal circles.
The 2026 Financial Landscape for Harry and Meghan
When consolidated, the Sussex's USD 60 million net worth represents a sophisticated blend of inherited wealth and self-generated income. No longer reliant on royal funding, they've established sustainable revenue through:
- Media production and streaming partnerships
- Literary projects and publishing
- High-profile speaking engagements
- Strategic business positions and investments
Their current residence in Montecito, California—purchased for approximately USD 14.65 million—not only represents a substantial asset but symbolizes their financial independence and successful transition from royal life to self-sustaining entrepreneurship.
Financial figures presented are based on publicly available information and represent approximate values. The Sussexes' wealth continues to evolve through ongoing projects and business ventures.
