In 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, made headlines around the world when they stepped back from their official royal duties. The decision to leave the UK and relinquish their senior royal roles marked a significant turning point in their lives, but their departure was not without controversy.
The couple’s exit from the Royal Family came amid growing tensions with the media and frustration over the Palace’s refusal to allow them to fully develop their personal brand, “SussexRoyal.” Over the years, Harry and Meghan have been outspoken about the impact of the intense media scrutiny they faced, which only intensified after their relationship became public in 2016 and their subsequent marriage in 2018.
Harry, still fifth in line to the throne, and Meghan, who was born in the United States, made the decision to step away from their roles as senior royals in January 2020. They cited a desire for more privacy and control over their personal and professional lives, particularly after enduring constant media intrusion. The couple was frustrated by Buckingham Palace’s restrictions on their plans to build a global brand and the expectation that they adhere strictly to royal protocols. The breaking point seemed to be when they were prohibited from using the SussexRoyal name for their charitable and business initiatives, which was to be the cornerstone of their post-royal careers.
In June 2020, Harry and Meghan relocated to California with their son, Archie, seeking to carve out a new life free from the relentless attention of the British press. Their daughter, Lilibet, was born in California in 2021, solidifying the family’s new American base. Since then, the couple has embraced a more private life while simultaneously launching commercial ventures aimed at building their financial independence from the monarchy.
Since stepping away from the Royal Family, the couple has managed to establish themselves in various industries, notably through their lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which is spearheaded by Meghan. The brand is just one part of a larger entrepreneurial endeavour, which includes the Archewell Foundation, their charitable organisation focused on global humanitarian causes. The foundation has helped them maintain a platform for their philanthropic efforts, while also opening the door to various paid partnerships.
Harry and Meghan’s finances are a far cry from their previous royal lifestyle. When they were working members of the Royal Family, the couple received 95% of their income from Harry’s father, then Prince of Wales. The remaining 5% was funded through the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant. This public money, however, was relinquished when the couple stepped back from royal duties, and they have since taken matters into their own hands, relying on personal business ventures and private deals.
The couple’s new financial model includes a number of lucrative deals. In 2020, they signed a multi-million-dollar contract with Netflix to produce content, including documentaries, series, and children’s programming. This deal is part of their larger plan to build their media presence while also addressing causes they care about, including mental health, the environment, and social justice.
Additionally, Harry and Meghan have entered into a podcasting deal with Spotify, where they produce the “Archetypes” series. The podcast explores themes around gender, identity, and societal expectations, with Meghan hosting discussions with a variety of influential guests. The couple has also signed a deal with the publishing industry, with Harry releasing his memoir, which is expected to be another significant revenue stream.
While they have embraced this new lifestyle, questions about Harry’s immigration status in the US have surfaced. A conservative think tank, The Heritage Foundation, has raised concerns over Harry’s visa application, citing his previous comments about drug use, which could affect his ability to stay in the country legally. These concerns were brought to a US court, but in September 2024, a judge ruled that the details of Harry’s visa application should remain private. Despite the controversy, sources close to Harry have confirmed that he will remain based in the US, partly due to ongoing concerns over security arrangements for his family.
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Although Harry and Meghan have distanced themselves from the Royal Family, they have returned to the UK on several occasions. Harry made a public appearance in London in 2024 for the WellChild Awards, where he celebrated the achievements of sick children. In May 2024, he was in London for the anniversary of the Invictus Games, a project he founded to support injured military personnel. He also attended the King’s coronation in May 2023, though Meghan remained in the US. In 2024, Harry visited his father, King Charles, briefly after news of the King’s cancer diagnosis. However, the brothers reportedly did not speak during the visit, indicating continued tension within the family.
Despite their occasional returns to the UK, Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal life appears to be permanent. The couple has made it clear that their priority is to build a future for their family in a way that aligns with their values, free from the constraints and scrutiny that once came with their royal roles.
Harry and Meghan’s new life in California is a blend of personal aspirations, public service, and business ventures. Their path forward is increasingly independent of the monarchy, and they seem committed to shaping their future according to their own terms. However, the ongoing scrutiny surrounding their decisions, especially their financial ventures and immigration status, ensures that their lives will continue to be closely watched by the public.
