Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's post-royal financial empire is under increasing strain as major revenue streams dry up and senior staff abandon their California-based foundation. Once buoyed by multimillion-dollar contracts and a global spotlight, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex now face mounting questions over the sustainability of their lifestyle and brand.
Insiders told RadarOnline.com that at least four key employees at Archewell, the couple's nonprofit and media vehicle, have recently exited. Among the departures are Deputy U.S. Press Secretary Kyle Boulia and longtime U.K. media liaison Charlie Gipson. "This isn't strategy - it's survival. They're running out of money, and now they're running out of people," one insider told reporter Rob Shuter.
Despite efforts to spin the changes as a shift toward "agency-based support" across five time zones, a source countered, "That's just spin. They don't have the money to keep the team they built. They tried to recreate the royal court - but California doesn't do crowns on credit."
Meredith Kendall Maines, Archewell's new communications head, and Netflix veteran Emily Robinson were brought in to guide a rebranding effort. But additional layoffs are expected, sources warned. "More layoffs are expected. And Meghan and Harry? They need a major win - fast," said another insider.
Royal analyst and former aide Norman Baker stated: "There's no doubt in my mind that Meghan and Harry's income is going to decline in the future. It's declining now. They've done the big hits that they could do... there is nothing else to come, nothing else to sell apart from themselves."
The couple's financial reality is stark. Their $9.5 million Montecito mansion requires monthly mortgage payments estimated between $50,000 and $100,000. Private security adds another burden, with former royal protection officer Simon Morgan estimating annual costs around $4 million. "Security is not a fashion accessory, it's a need," Morgan said.
Before their 2020 departure from royal duties, the Sussexes were supported by Prince Charles's Duchy of Cornwall to the tune of $3.1 million annually. Now, Harry relies largely on his inheritance from Princess Diana, which was worth $8.8 million at the time of her death and has reportedly grown over time.
The couple's headline-making deals - including a five-year, $135 million agreement with Netflix and a $20 million podcast contract with Spotify - have either lapsed or are nearing expiration. The Spotify deal has concluded, and no renewal has been confirmed with Netflix.
