As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to draw attention with their Hollywood ventures and media empire, they face criticism for their ongoing grievances regarding royal life. The couple’s substantial fortune, largely built through deals with streaming platforms and other ventures, stands in stark contrast to the wealth amassed by Prince William, the new Prince of Wales, whose income is primarily derived from the Duchy of Cornwall, a vast and complex estate inherited after his father, King Charles, ascended the throne.
Harry and Meghan’s financial portfolio has been fuelled by lucrative deals and investments since stepping back as working royals. Their most notable ventures include a reported $100 million Netflix contract, a $20 million Spotify deal, and a $20 million advance for Harry’s memoir, Spare. Beyond these, Harry works as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp, while Meghan has invested in brands like Clevr Blends, Cesta Collective, and Highbrow Hippie.
However, unlike Prince William, the Sussexes are not required to publicly disclose their finances, so exact figures remain speculative. While their combined wealth is believed to be around $140 million, this is not enough to match the steady income Prince William now enjoys from the Duchy.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William inherited the Duchy of Cornwall in September 2022. This vast property portfolio, valued at 1.2 billion pounds, provides a private income for the Prince of Wales. While William’s income has seen a significant boost since assuming control, his wealth still largely remains tied to the long-term assets and income of the Duchy, and he cannot sell properties within the portfolio.
In 2023-2024, William’s income from the Duchy reached 23.1 million pounds, up from 12.7 million pounds the previous year. By the end of 2024-2025, it’s projected that William will have earned around 58.8 million pounds from the estate, potentially rivaling the upper estimate of the Sussexes’ Netflix deal in just a few years.
While Harry and Meghan’s media empire generates substantial income, Prince William’s long-term wealth through the Duchy remains unmatched in terms of stability. Experts argue that while the Sussexes’ wealth is diversified across investments and media deals, William’s wealth is more secure, largely due to the Duchy’s income-producing assets.
Additionally, William benefits from taxpayer support, including security provided by armed police officers. In contrast, Prince Harry, after stepping down from royal duties, faced significant financial pressure to fund private security, with the costs reportedly reaching $6 million annually. This financial burden contrasts sharply with William’s public support.
The Sussexes’ lifestyle, including a $9 million mortgage on their California home, further complicates their financial situation. While their wealth may generate considerable returns, it is unclear whether they can achieve the same level of financial growth as Prince William’s long-term investments.
Eric Schiffer, chair of Reputation Management Consultants, noted that William’s income from the Duchy provides him the opportunity to make strategic investments, growing his wealth further. Schiffer added that while the Sussexes have likely benefited from savvy investments, their financial outlook may not be as solid as that of the Prince of Wales, given his equity and estate control.
Ultimately, while both Prince William and Harry and Meghan have amassed impressive fortunes, their paths to wealth diverge sharply. William’s inheritance, coupled with the Duchy of Cornwall’s income and long-term assets, positions him for greater financial security and growth over time. Meanwhile, the Sussexes’ Hollywood ventures, though lucrative, face the challenges of fluctuating income streams and heavy public scrutiny. As both royal brothers build their futures, their wealth may continue to evolve, with William’s legacy poised to outpace the Sussexes’ media empire in the years to come.
