Meghan Markle’s latest business moves are attracting fresh attention as questions grow over how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex intend to sustain their expensive life outside the royal family.
According to Page Six, sources close to the couple claim the Duchess of Sussex has become “basically the breadwinner” in the family, with one insider saying simply: “Money is tight.”
Prince Harry makes appearance at NHL game with Meghan Markle
The report claims Meghan and Prince Harry need at least $6 million a year to cover their operating costs in Montecito, California, where they live with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Around half of that sum is reportedly spent on private security, while the couple also have mortgage payments on their $15 million home.
That financial backdrop has placed a sharper spotlight on Meghan’s commercial future. The former Suits star has been working to grow her lifestyle brand As Ever after its partnership with Netflix ended, leaving the duchess to push the brand forward more independently.
Meghan Markle leans harder into business
Meghan has increasingly presented As Ever as the center of her post royal identity. A recent promotional video showed her in a polished lifestyle setting, eating a strawberry and looking out of a window while wearing a diamond necklace reportedly worth around $63,000.
The optics drew attention, but the strategy is clear. Meghan is trying to turn her taste, style and public profile into a sustainable business model.
She has also joined the AI powered fashion platform OneOff as both an investor and featured participant. The platform allows fans to shop selected looks connected to her wardrobe, including outfits from her recent Australia trip.
OneOff cofounder and chief executive Emir Talu told WWD that the platform “surpassed 1 plus million views of outfits on the site in the first three days since Meghan launched her page on the platform.”
The move gives Meghan another potential income stream, though it has also brought criticism from those who believe the duchess is leaning too heavily into commercial ventures.
Page Six also reported that Meghan has a powerful circle of female friends supporting her business push, including Lauren Sanchez Bezos and IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima.
Prince Harry’s focus remains less commercial
Harry, meanwhile, is said to be focused largely on philanthropic work, including the Invictus Games and other charitable projects. While those causes remain central to his public identity, they are not believed to generate the same kind of income as Meghan’s business ventures.
He also remains listed as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp, the mental health startup he joined in 2021. His salary has previously been rumored to be around $1 million per year, though reports have questioned how defined his role is inside the company.
There has also been speculation that Meghan could return more seriously to acting after making a cameo in the upcoming film Close Personal Friends. Sussex insiders, however, have denied claims that she is actively pursuing a regular TV role.
For now, the Sussexes’ financial future appears increasingly tied to Meghan’s ability to make As Ever and her wider personal brand work. The royal drama may still follow them, but the next major test could be commercial rather than personal.