The decision by Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle to step back from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family in January 2020 marked a turning point in their lives. Now settled in Montecito, California, they have built a successful path blending multimillion-dollar business ventures, creative projects, and philanthropy. The debut of the series “With Love, Meghan” on Netflix on March 4, 2025, is the latest example of how the couple has reshaped their public image, achieving financial independence and an estimated fortune of $60 million. Far from royal duties and the relentless British media, Harry and Meghan have crafted a new legacy in the United States, where they live with their children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3.
What drove Harry and Meghan to leave the royals
Stepping away from the Royal Family was no simple choice for Harry and Meghan. The couple, who met in 2016 through a mutual friend and married in May 2018 at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, faced significant challenges within the monarchy. The British tabloid press, notorious for its intrusive coverage, became a constant source of strain, particularly for Harry, who saw echoes of the harassment that plagued his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, until her death in 1997. This emotional toll was compounded by a lack of control over their narrative and restrictions from Buckingham Palace that prevented them from fully developing their “SussexRoyal” brand. Seeking autonomy and security, they announced their departure in January 2020, finalizing their move to the United States by June of that year.
The transition signaled the end of an era. Harry and Meghan relinquished the use of “His/Her Royal Highness” (HRH) titles and official engagements but retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles. Following King Charles III’s ascension to the throne in November 2022, their children, Archie and Lilibet, were granted prince and princess titles, a right tied to the line of succession. The exit also cost them an official UK residence, with the eviction from Frogmore Cottage in 2023—a gift from Queen Elizabeth II—marking their final physical tie to the Crown.
Relocating to California was more than an escape. It offered a chance to start anew in an environment providing privacy and proximity to the American entertainment industry. Opting for Montecito, a city known for hosting celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, reflects their intent to shield their family while laying a strong foundation for future endeavors.
A new life in the United States
Putting down roots in Montecito has given the couple a more private and strategic lifestyle. Since June 2020, Harry and Meghan have resided in a $14.65 million mansion, purchased after a brief stint in Canada. The move was formalized in April 2024 when Harry listed the United States as his habitual residence in Archewell foundation documents, quashing speculation of a UK return and cementing California as the Sussex family’s permanent home.
Proximity to Hollywood unlocked partnerships with giants like Netflix and Spotify, while distance from the British press provided welcome relief. Security, however, remains a key concern. After losing the automatic police protection afforded to working royals, Harry pursued legal action against the British government to secure adequate arrangements for UK visits. In December 2024, he stated that his American life was what Diana would have wanted, underscoring his pursuit of freedom and stability for his children.
Living in the US has also allowed the couple to explore new dimensions. Meghan, previously known for her role as Rachel Zane in “Suits,” reconnected with entertainment, while Harry found space for causes like the Invictus Games, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in London in May 2024.
How the couple built their fortune
Harry and Meghan turned their royal exit into a remarkable financial opportunity. Before 2020, 95% of their income came from the then-Prince of Wales, Charles, via the Duchy of Cornwall, with the remaining 5% from the Sovereign Grant, a taxpayer-funded pool supporting the monarchy. Post-transition, Charles provided a substantial sum to aid their shift, but the couple has since become self-sufficient, diversifying income through lucrative deals and personal ventures.
Archewell, established in 2020, anchors their operations. Split into a nonprofit and Archewell Productions, it embodies their mission to merge philanthropy with business. The Sussex.com website, unveiled in February 2024, highlights this vision, presenting them as figures who “shape the future.” Among their most profitable ventures is a Netflix deal, reportedly worth $100 million, yielding projects like the “Harry & Meghan” documentary (2022), “Heart of Invictus” (2023), “Polo” (2024), and “With Love, Meghan” (2025).
Another standout is American Riviera Orchard, Meghan’s lifestyle brand launched in March 2024. Though still in early stages, sending jam jars to figures like Kris Jenner hints at a focus on food and wellness, aligning with the persona Meghan cultivated through her pre-royal blog, “The Tig,” shuttered in 2017. Family inheritances, including £6.5 million from Diana to Harry and rumored sums from the Queen Mother, further bolster their financial security.
Key revenue streams of the Sussex empire
The couple’s ventures span multiple sectors, ensuring a diverse income flow. Netflix contracts are the most prominent pillar, producing content that leverages their global fame. “With Love, Meghan,” for instance, blends cooking and lifestyle tips with personal insights, appealing to a broad audience. Meanwhile, “Polo,” released in December 2024, delves into the sport Harry has played since youth, offering a unique glimpse into his world.
In the podcast realm, they’ve made waves too. A $25 million Spotify deal birthed “Archetypes,” hosted by Meghan, tackling female stereotypes with guests like Serena Williams until the partnership ended in June 2023. In February 2024, Meghan inked a deal with Lemonada Media, teasing a 2025 podcast. Additionally, Harry’s memoir “Spare,” released in January 2023, sold over 467,000 copies in its first week, generating millions in royalties, with portions donated to charities like Sentebale and WellChild.
Meghan’s acting background also fuels their success. Pre-royalty, she earned roughly $50,000 per “Suits” episode, amassing a personal net worth of $5 million across over 100 episodes. This entertainment experience eased her shift to producing, while Harry lent credibility to their philanthropic efforts, such as the Invictus Games and Archewell Foundation.
Timeline of Harry and Meghan’s milestones
The couple’s journey since leaving the royals is defined by pivotal moments shaping their success. Here’s a rundown:
- January 2020: Announcement of their exit as senior royals.
- June 2020: Permanent move to Montecito, California.
- June 2021: Birth of Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.
- January 2023: Release of Harry’s memoir “Spare.”
- March 2024: Launch of American Riviera Orchard.
- March 2025: Premiere of “With Love, Meghan” on Netflix.
These milestones highlight how swiftly Harry and Meghan adapted to the American market, establishing a robust presence in under five years.
Legal battles and security concerns
Safeguarding their family has been a priority for Harry, sparking legal disputes in the UK. After losing automatic royal security, he challenged the British government over protection levels for UK visits. In February 2024, the High Court upheld the Home Office’s stance, but by June, his lawyers secured permission to appeal. Harry also unsuccessfully sought to fund extra police protection himself.
Simultaneously, he took on the British press. In February 2024, he won a case against Mirror Group Newspapers for privacy breaches, securing substantial damages. In January 2025, a settlement with News Group Newspapers yielded an apology and compensation for illegal intrusions from 1996 to 2011. A lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail, remains ongoing, showcasing his resolve to combat media overreach.
These efforts underscore Harry’s commitment to security and justice, while his life in Montecito offers the privacy the UK could not, balancing past struggles with present stability.
Projects shaping the couple’s future
Harry and Meghan’s portfolio keeps expanding. American Riviera Orchard, still unfolding, aims to cement Meghan as a lifestyle authority, while “With Love, Meghan” on Netflix strengthens her audience connection. The Lemonada Media podcast, slated for 2025, sustains her audio presence post-“Archetypes.” Harry remains dedicated to the Invictus Games, which marked a decade in May 2024 with a London event.
The Archewell Foundation complements these with social initiatives, backing causes like mental health and gender equality. This blend of profitable ventures and philanthropy highlights their dual strategy of earning and giving back. With a fortune rooted in inheritances, deals, and creativity, they’ve solidified their influence in America.
Residing in Montecito also provides an ideal setting to raise Archie and Lilibet, shielded from the scrutiny Harry endured as a child. Their California choice, paired with a clear business vision, positions Harry and Meghan as a case study in post-royal reinvention.
