Where Will Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Get Their Money?

A big part of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s new arrangement isn’t just about royal duties. It’s about money. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle want to be “financially independent,” but where is their money coming from?

Prior Wealth: It’s important to acknowledge that neither the Duke or Duchess were poor going into this marriage. At the time of their engagement in 2017, Meghan’s net worth was estimated to be between $5 million and $7 million while Prince Harry’s net worth was speculated to be about $40 million.

On his 30th birthday, Prince Harry reportedly was given access to a trust left by Princess Diana, according to the Telegraph, which included about £10 million ($13 million). Plus, the Queen Mother reportedly left Harry a larger inheritance than she left William since the younger brother’s future path was less clear. Harry also made a more average salary as an Army captain.

With a combined net worth of about $45 million, the two are going to be just fine, regardless of future success.

Prince Charles: The Sussexes are giving up taxpayer’s money (and even paying back Frogmore Cottage renovation costs), but, according to Harper’s Bazaar, “Prince Charles will still continue to offer private financial support.”

The Prince of Wales, the first in line for the British throne, makes money through the Duchy of Cornwall. He reportedly gave $2.3 million to his younger son and his wife last year. It isn’t clear how much he’ll offer or what they’ll accept now that they’re on a new path.

New Jobs: The two have been clear that they want to be able to make their own money, and that could mean anything. They’ve trademarked Sussex Royal, but, as the Daily Beast notes, it has not been decided if they can actually profit from something using the word “royal” at this point.

However, their names alone are worth a fair amount. Speaking engagements are likely. Book deals have the potential to be worth millions. Plus, the two already seem to be slowly inching back into the Hollywood pool. Meghan has a voiceover deal with Disney (the funds will go to conservation charity Elephants Without Borders), and Harry is producing an Apple TV+ docu-series about mental health alongside Oprah Winfrey.

Fans should not, however, expect Meghan and Harry to dish all the royal dirt for a paycheck. The two have made it clear that they still intend to "uphold the values of Her Majesty," according to a statement from Buckingham Palace.

The changes officially go into effect in spring, so their money-making plans will likely become clearer as time goes on.