Meghan Markle Reportedly Seen as the ‘Breadwinner’ as She and Prince Harry Face Increasing Expenses

Meghan Markle is reportedly taking on a larger financial role in her household as she and Prince Harry navigate rising expenses tied to security, property costs, and their California lifestyle. Sources say the Duchess of Sussex is focused on growing her business ventures while Harry remains committed to philanthropic efforts.

Meghan Markle is reportedly expanding her business portfolio as she and Prince Harry continue building their post-royal life in California.

According to sources who spoke with Page Six, the Duchess of Sussex has increasingly become the primary income earner in the family while Harry focuses much of his attention on charitable work and long-standing passion projects.

The couple, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, now live in Montecito with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Maintaining that lifestyle reportedly comes with significant financial demands, including security costs and mortgage payments on their multimillion-dollar estate.

Meghan Markle Continues Expanding Her Business Ventures

Sources told the outlet that Markle has been concentrating heavily on her lifestyle brand, “As Ever,” following the reported end of its partnership with Netflix earlier this year.

The duchess has also been surrounding herself with influential business figures and investors as she works to grow her commercial footprint. Among those mentioned was entrepreneur and investor Jamie Kern Lima, who reportedly flew Markle to the G9 Ventures Summer Summit in the Hamptons in July 2024 ahead of the launch of her latest business ventures.

More recently, Markle joined the AI-powered fashion discovery platform OneOff as both an investor and featured participant. The platform allows users to browse and purchase fashion pieces inspired by celebrity wardrobes.

Markle’s involvement reportedly includes curated edits featuring clothing worn during her recent Australia tour. Other celebrity names connected to the platform include Suki Waterhouse, Emma Chamberlain, Kate Hudson, and Shay Mitchell.

According to Women’s Wear Daily, OneOff cofounder and CEO Emir Talu said, “OneOff surpassed 1-plus million views of outfits on the site in the first three days since Meghan launched her page on the platform.”

Sources close to Markle reportedly claimed that more than two dozen products featured from the Australia trip sold out shortly after being posted.

Reports Claim the Sussexes Face Major Ongoing Expenses

While Markle’s business activity has expanded, insiders claimed the couple’s financial obligations remain substantial.

One source told Page Six that the Sussexes require at least $6 million annually to maintain their lifestyle in Montecito. That reportedly includes approximately $3 million spent on private security alone.

The couple also continue paying the mortgage on their $15 million California property.

Security has remained a particularly important issue for Harry since stepping away from royal duties. The prince has repeatedly spoken publicly about concerns surrounding the safety of his family, especially during visits to the United Kingdom.

Harry is reportedly hoping to return to Britain with Markle and their children in July for a one-year countdown celebration tied to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. However, reports indicate that plans may depend on whether security arrangements are approved by the British government.

Netflix Partnership Reportedly Came to an End

Questions about the future of Markle’s media projects intensified after reports surfaced that Netflix and Markle’s “As Ever” partnership had ended in April.

The reported split came after claims that her lifestyle series “With Love, Meghan” would not return for a third season.

According to Page Six, some sources connected to Markle suggested she had been left to manage much of the project independently. At the same time, unnamed Netflix insiders reportedly questioned whether the streaming giant had seen a meaningful return on its investment.

“Netflix put millions behind this deal and I don’t think they saw a return whatsoever. They just cut a loss,” one insider reportedly said. Other sources reportedly argued there was little incentive to continue developing the brand without a successful companion series attached to it.

Still, some industry observers noted that building a profitable consumer brand often takes years. Comparisons were reportedly made to companies such as Amazon and celebrity-backed beauty brands that required extended periods before becoming profitable.

Acting Rumors Continue to Follow Markle

At the same time, speculation has continued about Markle potentially returning to acting.

The former “Suits” star recently made a cameo appearance in the upcoming film “Close Personal Friends,” fueling rumors that she could pursue a steadier television role in the future.

However, insiders connected to the Sussexes reportedly denied claims that Markle was actively seeking a full-time acting job.

Before marrying Harry in 2018, Markle spent years working in television, with her most recognized role being Rachel Zane on “Suits.” Since leaving royal duties, her professional focus has largely shifted toward media production, lifestyle branding, and charitable initiatives.

Prince Harry Remains Focused on Philanthropy

While Markle continues expanding commercial opportunities, Harry reportedly remains committed to his charitable work.

The Duke of Sussex has maintained a close connection to the Invictus Games, the international sporting event he founded for wounded and injured service members and veterans.

Harry also joined Silicon Valley mental health company BetterUp in 2021 as chief impact officer. Reports have estimated his annual salary from the role at around $1 million.

During the couple’s recent Australia visit, Harry reportedly participated in Melbourne’s InterEdge Summit without accepting payment for the appearance.

Sources familiar with the couple’s situation suggested that Harry’s projects are more mission-driven than financially focused, which has reportedly increased the pressure on Markle’s business ventures to generate revenue.

Public Scrutiny Continues Around the Sussexes

Since stepping back from their royal roles, Markle and Harry have remained under constant public and media scrutiny.

Their business decisions, media partnerships, and public appearances frequently spark debate online and across entertainment outlets. Markle’s recent involvement with fashion and lifestyle ventures has also drawn criticism from some observers who believe the couple should place greater emphasis on charitable work.

Despite ongoing speculation about their finances and future plans, neither Markle nor Harry publicly addressed the latest claims. Page Six reported that representatives for the couple were contacted for comment.

For now, Markle appears focused on expanding her brand partnerships and business opportunities while Harry continues dedicating much of his time to philanthropy and advocacy work.