Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing renewed questions about the financial structure of their post-royal life after reports surfaced claiming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are considering additional staff reductions and broader spending cuts across their household and business operations in California.
The claims, based on unnamed sources cited by In Touch Magazine, suggest Meghan is leading a review of expenses at a time when the couple continues to balance commercial ventures, philanthropic work and the costs associated with maintaining a high-profile lifestyle in Montecito. No new layoffs have been publicly confirmed, and representatives for the Sussexes have not commented on the latest allegations.
The reports nevertheless arrive against a backdrop of ongoing restructuring within the couple's Archewell organization. In December, Page Six reported that approximately 60% of staff connected to the foundation had been let go as the charitable operation underwent a rebranding effort under the name Archewell Philanthropies.
At the time, a spokesperson acknowledged the workforce reduction, saying: "Some staff redundancies are inevitable. We will not be discussing these personnel details further."
The latest claims suggest cost management efforts may now be extending beyond the foundation itself. According to the unnamed source, Meghan believes operating expenses have become too high and that further reductions may be necessary.
"They've cut their staff several times before but she's now saying they need to let more people go - Meghan just feels they are spending too much," the source claimed. "It will mean they both need to do more to pick up the slack."
The reported review highlights a challenge that has followed the Sussexes since they stepped away from royal duties in 2020. Their move to the United States was accompanied by a pledge to achieve financial independence, a goal initially supported by high-profile agreements with media and technology companies as well as the launch of charitable and commercial ventures.
Over the past five years, however, those operations have evolved significantly. Some projects have expanded, others have been scaled back, and staffing structures have changed as the couple adjusted to life outside the institution of the monarchy.
According to the report, one area receiving particular attention is Prince Harry's travel budget. The Duke continues to make periodic trips to the United Kingdom for legal proceedings, charitable engagements and events connected to the Invictus Games, the sporting competition he founded for wounded service members and veterans.
The source claimed Meghan has questioned the value of some of those journeys.
"Meghan's pushing Harry to cut way back on his travel to the U.K.," the insider said. "Her argument is that the bills are huge and there's nothing to show for it. She doesn't see the point in Harry spending a ton of money to kiss up to people who constantly let him down."
While Harry is still expected to attend upcoming Invictus-related events in Britain, the report suggests transportation methods could become a focus of future savings.
"Private jet travel is out of the question going forward too," the source said. "It's just not in the budget."
The allegation is notable because the couple has previously faced criticism from environmental advocates and royal commentators over the use of private aircraft while publicly supporting climate-related initiatives.
The reported spending review also extends to personal habits. According to the source, Harry's reputation for generosity has become another target for scrutiny. The insider described the prince as someone who frequently leaves large gratuities and occasionally lends money to friends.
"Meghan's putting the kibosh on all of that," the source claimed. "From now on, he's under strict orders to think twice before he opens his wallet."
