Insider Says Harry and Meghan 'Have to Make Money' Unlike Members Of The Royal Family

While conversations about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle potentially losing their royal titles continue to swirl, fresh scrutiny has fallen on their financing and public messaging, and it has sparked a firm response from those in their corner.

According to the Daily Mail, a source close to the Sussexes has offered a firm defence of the couple after they faced renewed accusations of hypocrisy over their financial ventures. Critics were questioning their credibility after the Archewell Foundation released a report stating they want role models who aren’t “driven by profit,” while condemning “inauthentic” influencers and asserting that “true leadership is not about money or followers.” While responding, a Sussex insider argued that the couple’s earnings are more of a necessity than a contradiction, “That they have to make money is a moot point… we all do, unless you're a member of the institution [The Royal Family]."

The report was based on the interview with more than 100 young people aged 10 to 25 across the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Panama. It concluded that many were tired of “performative,” “inauthentic,” and “profit-motivated” influencer culture. As per Newsweek, this “pivot to authenticity” left people vulnerable. Chief Royal correspondent Jack Royston mentioned that the findings “chime with numerous major criticisms of the couple throughout their post-royal lives” and “are striking but make difficult reading alongside the facts of the first five years of Harry and Meghan's US lives, which saw them sign multimillion-dollar deals for content creation.” However, the Sussex supporter opposed this narrative and insisted that the duo’s financial independence enables their philanthropy and allows them to give “a disproportionate amount of their wealth” to causes they resonate with.  

The insider also added that comparing the former royals to typical influencers not only misrepresents them but also the intentions of Archewell’s research. They said, “To cast all young people as though they would take umbrage with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for making money is just an oversimplified assessment of who they are as people and what I think that report is trying to say.” While directing attention to modern youth culture, the source notes that young people gravitate toward mission-led companies. They concluded, “It’s why young people love Ben & Jerry’s. It’s why young people love Patagonia. It’s why young people love activist-driven brands… and if you were to look at Harry and Meghan as an activist-driven brand, which I would argue they are, they focus on showing up, doing good and handing over a disproportionate amount of their wealth compared to the average Joe.”

Prince Harry and Markle’s broader “brand” potential has been echoed by experts analysing their rapid financial ascent in the US. According to Fabulous, Branding specialist Andrew Bloch feels that their commercial success since withdrawing from their royal duties has been extraordinary. He feels they also stand a chance of becoming a billion-dollar brand. The expert revealed, “Since moving to California… Harry and Meghan have secured a number of lucrative business deals and personal endorsements, which have seen their personal wealth rocket.” Bloch also estimated their joint net worth “circa £250 million” to be around (approx. $330 million) and added that, “their potential to become the world’s richest personal brand looks imminently achievable… Them becoming a billion-dollar brand is certainly not out of the question.”

The Sussexes' rising wealth has also been tied to inheritance and the financial uplift after their marriage. As per the Royal Insider, Harry’s net worth “significantly doubled” after meeting Markle in 2016. According to Celebrity Net Worth, they are both currently valued at $60 million. Varied reports highlight contributions from Princess Diana’s trust and the Queen Mother, leaving Harry an additional £8.5 million (~$9.4 million). Their business partnerships include a $100 million Netflix deal and a $20 million Spotify contract, and Markle’s financial ventures, like As Ever, have strengthened the couple’s financial footing. These income streams are shaping a new era of financial independence for the couple as they are far removed from their previous royal roles.