• Harry and Meghan spend around $4 million annually to maintain their Montecito lifestyle, including mortgage, taxes, staff, and security.
• Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, is now the main source of their income, likely earning $3–5 million a year.
• Despite high-profile deals, Harry’s income mostly comes from his roles at Travalyst and BetterUp, while their Netflix and Spotify earnings have been less consistent.

Behind the scenes of the Sussexes’ seemingly polished California life lies a financial reality that’s both intense and unrelenting. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be living the American dream in a $14.65 million Montecito estate, but keeping up that dream costs a staggering $4 million a year—after taxes.

Now, an insider close to the couple has revealed how they’re managing to fund their high-priced lifestyle—and why Meghan has become the main earner in the household.

Living Like Hollywood Royalty Doesn’t Come Cheap

After stepping away from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan quickly settled into the luxurious Montecito enclave, surrounded by celebrities and rolling hills. But that privacy and sunshine come at a steep price. Here’s what insiders say they pay just to keep things running:

• Mortgage repayments: $480,000 per year
• Property taxes: $68,000 annually
• Utilities: About $24,000 a year
• Staff salaries: Around $250,000
• Private security: A massive $3 million yearly

That alone totals $3.82 million, and when you add in costs like insurance, home maintenance, and travel, it’s easy to see why the couple needs to bring in at least $4 million every year, post-tax, just to stay afloat.

Meghan’s Brand Becomes Their Financial Lifeline

While Harry holds two official roles with corporate and nonprofit organizations, it’s Meghan who is generating serious money—and doing it fast.

Her lifestyle brand, As Ever (formerly American Riviera Orchard), has turned her into a businesswoman with surprising commercial power. From homemade jam and cookie mix to rose wine, everything she’s launched has sold out. Though the quantity of inventory is unclear, industry experts estimate that Meghan is pulling in $3 to $5 million annually from the brand alone.

According to a source close to the Sussexes, “This brand isn’t just a hobby. Meghan is working on it like it’s her full-time job. She knows their lifestyle depends on its success.”

And the hard truth? It does.

The Netflix Deal: Not as Big as It Looked

When Harry and Meghan signed their now-famous deal with Netflix in 2020, the reported $100 million figure made headlines around the world. But the insider says the real money they’ve received so far is significantly lower—closer to $10 to $15 million in total.

Yes, their Harry & Meghan documentary was a global success and brought in a big paycheck. But follow-up projects haven’t lived up to the hype. Meghan’s With Love, Meghan show, for example, barely made an impact—drawing just 5.3 million viewers and ranking 389th on Netflix’s engagement chart.

Harry’s documentary on polo fared even worse, pulling in just 500,000 views. That kind of result doesn’t bring bonuses. Still, sources claim Netflix is standing by Meghan and is preparing to launch a third season of her show. Her estimated annual pay for the project? Around $3 to $5 million, but no official numbers have been released.

Spotify Was a Bust, Too

Another blow came when Spotify pulled the plug on its $20 million podcast deal with the couple. Only one series—Meghan’s Archetypes—was produced. While it generated buzz, the platform reportedly only paid out a fraction of the original agreement.

Meghan has since partnered with Lemonada Media, a smaller podcast network. Her new podcast Confessions of a Female Founder didn’t reach the top charts, and she’s already announced that a second season isn’t coming—at least not anytime soon.

In her own words: “The only thing I want spread thin is my jam.”

The message was clear: podcasts don’t pay, but jam and wine might.

Prince Harry’s Roles Bring Prestige, But Little Profit

Harry hasn’t been idle, but his income streams are far less robust. He serves as Chief Impact Officer for BetterUp, a mental health coaching firm, and also works with Travalyst, his eco-travel initiative. But neither role is paying millions.

BetterUp’s revenue rose to $215 million in 2024, but the company has faced layoffs, poor employee reviews, and backlash over its celebrity hires. Travalyst, meanwhile, filed paperwork in the UK showing just $420,000 in assets—not exactly enough to pay for round-the-clock bodyguards.

As one insider put it, “Harry is passionate about his causes, but they don’t pay the bills. Meghan’s brand is carrying the weight now.”

Are They Looking Back at the Palace… for Help?

Whispers are growing louder that the Sussexes might be reopening ties with the Royal Family. Two of their top aides were spotted meeting with a senior advisor to King Charles earlier this month.

While sources insist Harry and Meghan are staying in California for good, others wonder if there’s a strategic reason behind the reconnection. As one royal watcher put it: “Charles used to pay for everything—even Meghan’s wardrobe. You have to wonder if they’re hoping to reestablish a financial lifeline.”

For now, nothing has been confirmed. But with the couple’s Montecito costs pushing into the millions, the timing is suspicious.

Public Reaction: Support and Skepticism

The public has mixed feelings. Some admire Meghan’s drive. “She’s taken control of her future,” one fan wrote on X. Others accuse the couple of hypocrisy. “They talk about service and humility from their $15 million mansion,” said one critic.

The contrast between their charitable image and commercial hustle is hard to ignore. Meghan now represents a high-end lifestyle brand. Harry continues to champion causes like the Invictus Games, but in terms of income, he’s trailing far behind.

What’s Next? Meghan’s Brand Will Decide

Insiders believe Meghan’s brand could be the couple’s long-term financial engine. “She’s hoping to build the next Goop,” said one brand consultant. “But she has to keep momentum going.”

That means more launches, more buzz, and likely more partnerships—possibly with Netflix or even new platforms. Experts say if As Ever continues selling out, she could easily bring in $5 million or more annually, making her the clear breadwinner.

Harry, meanwhile, seems content supporting charitable efforts, handling media appearances, and participating in royal events—when invited.

A Modern Marriage With a Financial Twist

The Sussexes are no longer working royals, but they still live like royalty—and it’s expensive. With an annual financial demand of $4 million just to maintain their home and lifestyle, they’ve had to reinvent themselves fast. Meghan has become the powerhouse behind their brand, their income, and their public image. Harry, once the prince with endless promise, now plays a quieter role.

What started as a fresh start in America is now a delicate financial balancing act.

And for now, it’s Meghan’s hustle that’s keeping the lights on in Montecito.