Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from the British royal family was one of the most talked-about events in recent royal history. Their decision to step down from their senior royal roles in January 2020 marked a dramatic change both for them personally and for the wider royal institution. This article discusses the reasons behind their departure, their current living situation, and how they now support themselves financially.
Departure from royal duties
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s exit from royal duties was a complex decision influenced by many factors. The couple met in 2016 and married in 2018, quickly becoming one of the most high-profile couples in the royal family. However, their time in the spotlight came with considerable challenges.
Media intrusion and public scrutiny
A key factor in their decision to leave was their frustration with the intrusiveness of the media. Both Harry and Meghan had been the subjects of constant press coverage, which they described as intrusive and often harmful. Meghan in particular faced intense scrutiny and criticism, which the couple felt was exacerbated by their royal status. They struggled with a lack of privacy and a constant media spotlight, which they argued was affecting their mental health and well-being.
Restrictions on their brand
Another significant issue was Buckingham Palace’s refusal to allow them to develop their “Sussex Royal” brand. The couple had ambitious plans to use this brand to further their charitable and business endeavours. However, the Palace’s restrictions limited their ability to execute these plans, leading to frustration. This conflict over their brand and its potential was a contributing factor to their decision to step back.
Financial independence
Stealing out of their royal duties meant giving up their royal funding. While they had previously received 95% of their income from Prince Charles, the remainder came from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant. Their departure necessitated a shift towards financial independence, which required them to seek new avenues of income.
Living arrangements and current residence
Following their decision to leave the UK, Harry and Meghan moved to California in June 2020. They chose the US as their new home, partly for its space and privacy, which they felt was vital to raising their son Archie. Their daughter Lilibet was born in California in 2021.
Frogmore Cottage
Initially, they retained Frogmore Cottage, a Grade-II listed property on the Windsor Estate, as their UK residence. However, in early 2023, they were asked to vacate the property. The decision was part of a wider reshuffle of royal residences following King Charles’ ascension to the throne.
Immigration status
Harry’s immigration status in the US has been a topic of discussion, particularly in light of his past confessions about drug use. These issues have raised questions about his visa and residency status. Despite these concerns, he remains in the US, where the couple have begun their new life.
Financial ventures and sources of income
Since stepping down from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have pursued various business ventures and philanthropic activities to support themselves financially.
Archewell Foundation
One of their primary initiatives is the Archewell Foundation, which focuses on charitable work and social impact. The foundation supports a variety of causes, including mental health, gender equality, and community building. The couple’s philanthropic work through Archewell is an important aspect of their new professional life.
Commercial ventures
In addition to their charitable work, Harry and Meghan have also ventured into business ventures. They signed a lucrative deal with Netflix through their production company, Archewell Productions. The deal, which is said to be worth millions, allows them to create documentaries, docu-series, and other content for the streaming platform. Their first projects included a documentary series on their lives and another series focused on the Invictus Games, which Harry founded.
American Riviera Orchard
In March 2024, Meghan launched a new lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard. The venture, which likely includes a range of products such as food items based on social media signals, reflects Meghan’s continued interest in lifestyle and health.
Podcast and Media Deals
Harry and Meghan also struck a podcast deal with Spotify, although that arrangement expired in June 2023. Meghan later signed a new podcast contract with Lemonade Media, continuing her involvement in media and storytelling.
Books and Publishing
Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” published in January 2023, was another significant source of income. The book, which highlights his personal life, family relationships and experiences following Princess Diana’s death, was a commercial success. Meghan also wrote a children’s book, “The Bench,” published in 2021.