Meghan Markle is reportedly carrying the financial weight of the Sussex household as insiders claim the couple’s lavish California lifestyle is becoming harder and harder to maintain.
According to sources speaking to Page Six, the Duchess of Sussex has become “basically the breadwinner” for the family while Prince Harry focuses on charity work and passion projects that bring in little income. And behind the glossy Instagram videos, designer outfits, and carefully curated brand launches, insiders say the couple may be feeling serious financial pressure.
“Money is tight,” one source claimed, while another estimated the pair needs at least $6 million a year just to keep up their Montecito lifestyle.
That staggering figure reportedly includes around $3 million annually for private security alone, plus mortgage payments and upkeep on their $15 million mansion in the ultra-exclusive California enclave.
Now, Markle appears to be doubling down on her business empire.
The former “Suits” actress has been aggressively promoting her lifestyle brand, As Ever, after Netflix reportedly pulled the plug on its partnership tied to her series “With Love, Meghan.” Sources claim the streaming giant quietly backed away after deciding not to move forward with a third season of the show.
Insiders also alleged Markle was frustrated at being left to “carry the whole thing by herself,” which reportedly caused tension behind the scenes.
But Meghan isn’t slowing down.
The duchess recently joined AI fashion platform OneOff as both an investor and celebrity face of the brand, allowing fans to shop her wardrobe choices online. The move reportedly paid off immediately, with more than two dozen fashion items from her recent Australia trip selling out within days.
OneOff CEO Emir Talu reportedly boasted that Meghan-generated outfit pages pulled in more than one million views in just three days.
The timing of the business push has raised eyebrows, especially as critics accuse Markle of leaning harder into celebrity influencer territory while still publicly championing philanthropy causes.
During the couple’s recent Australia trip, Meghan mixed charity appearances with commercial opportunities, including a pricey women’s retreat in Sydney where attendees reportedly paid up to $3,199 for access. Reports claim Markle only stayed at the event for about two hours.
Meanwhile, Harry’s focus remains largely on his charity work, the Invictus Games, and his role at mental health startup BetterUp.
While Harry reportedly earns around $1 million annually from BetterUp, questions have swirled for years about what exactly he does there. A previous report claimed some former employees described his day-to-day responsibilities as “zero things.”
The company itself has reportedly struggled with layoffs and internal backlash in recent years.
Sources also say Harry is still pushing to bring Meghan and the children back to the UK for a major Invictus Games event in 2027 — but only if British officials agree to provide taxpayer-funded security.
Despite the money rumors, Meghan continues projecting luxury and glamour online. Just this week, she shared polished social media clips promoting As Ever while wearing a reported $63,000 diamond necklace and posing with baskets of fruit and flowers in a picture-perfect kitchen setup.
The duchess also continues rubbing elbows with powerful celebrity friends and business moguls, including Lauren Sánchez Bezos, Jamie Kern Lima, Bobbi Brown, and fashion designer Misha Nonoo — connections insiders say could help fuel her next big business move.
And while rumors continue swirling that Markle may be eyeing a return to acting for a steady paycheck, Sussex insiders are publicly denying it.
Still, with huge bills piling up and their Hollywood deals shrinking, many royal watchers are wondering whether the Sussexes’ ultra-luxury California dream is starting to crack behind the scenes.
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