Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has built a substantial net worth of $60 million alongside her husband, Prince Harry, as of 2025. Known for her roles in Suits, her entrepreneurial ventures, and her philanthropic efforts, Meghan’s wealth is a combination of her acting career, strategic media partnerships, and business savvy. Since stepping back as senior royals, the Sussexes have secured lucrative deals with Netflix, Spotify, and other platforms, significantly boosting their financial standing. This article delves into Meghan Markle’s net worth, her earnings before and after becoming a royal, and how she continues to build her financial empire.
Early Life and Hollywood Beginnings
Born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, Meghan Markle was introduced to the entertainment industry at a young age. Her father, Thomas Markle, was a lighting director for Married… with Children, which exposed Meghan to the world of Hollywood early on. She pursued her passion for acting at Northwestern University, where she studied theater and international relations.
Meghan’s acting career initially consisted of small roles in TV shows like CSI: NY, Fringe, and 90210. However, her breakthrough came in 2011 when she was cast as Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits. Meghan appeared in over 100 episodes of the series, reportedly earning $50,000 per episode by the end of her tenure. Her role in Suits alone contributed approximately $4 million to her net worth.
In addition to her acting income, Meghan made about $360,000 from roles in the 2010 films Remember Me and The Candidate. She also ran a lifestyle blog, The Tig, which generated around $80,000 annually through sponsorships and endorsements before she decommissioned it upon her engagement to Prince Harry in 2017.
Pre-Royal Net Worth: $5 Million
By the time Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018, her estimated net worth was $5 million, accumulated through her acting career and entrepreneurial ventures. This figure reflects not only her earnings from Suits but also income from brand endorsements, public appearances, and her blog. Meghan’s financial independence before her royal life set the stage for her to transition smoothly into high-profile business deals post-royal exit.
Her net worth, however, paled in comparison to Prince Harry’s, who was worth between $25 million and $40 million at the time, largely due to inheritances from his mother, Princess Diana, and his great-grandmother, the Queen Mother. Harry’s former salary of $50,000 per year from his role as a captain in the British Army also contributed to his wealth.
The Royal Exit and Financial Independence
In January 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior royals, a move that fundamentally altered their financial situation. As senior royals, they had received funding from the Sovereign Grant, which covered about 5% of their administrative and household expenses. However, the majority of their funding came from the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate managed by Prince Charles at the time.
Their exit meant relinquishing these financial supports, prompting the Sussexes to repay £2.4 million ($3 million) in taxpayer funds used to renovate Frogmore Cottage, their U.K. residence. They also secured a $9.5 million mortgage to purchase a $14.65 million estate in Montecito, California—a 7.4-acre compound featuring nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, a library, pool, gym, sauna, and even a tea house.
No longer funded by royal finances, Meghan and Harry quickly moved to secure financial independence through a series of high-profile media deals and speaking engagements.
Media Deals: Netflix and Spotify
In 2020, Meghan and Harry signed a multi-year deal with Netflix reportedly worth $100 million. The partnership includes the production of documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted shows, and children’s programming through their production company, Archewell Productions. The first of these projects, a docuseries exploring the world of polo, garnered mixed reviews but underscored the couple’s potential to build a sustainable media empire.
Additionally, Meghan launched the Archetypes podcast on Spotify, which explored the labels and stereotypes that hold women back. While the deal with Spotify was reportedly worth $25 million, its success has been met with mixed reactions, leading some to speculate about the future of their podcasting ventures.
These deals not only bolstered the couple’s finances but also allowed them to retain creative control—a significant factor for Meghan, who has long advocated for telling authentic and empowering stories.
Speaking Engagements: $1 Million per Speech
Meghan and Harry’s partnership with the Harry Walker Agency, which also represents the Obamas and the Clintons, opened another lucrative income stream: paid speaking engagements. According to reports, the Sussexes command up to $1 million per speech, with topics ranging from mental health to social justice and philanthropy.
These engagements have significantly contributed to their combined net worth of $60 million, highlighting Meghan’s ability to leverage her royal platform for financial gain without the backing of the British monarchy.
Real Estate Investments
One of the couple’s most notable financial moves post-royal exit was the purchase of their Montecito estate. The $14.65 million property, secured with a $9.5 million mortgage, represents a long-term investment in one of California’s most exclusive neighborhoods, home to celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.
The Montecito estate’s value has likely appreciated given the area’s booming real estate market, further enhancing Meghan and Harry’s net worth. The decision to invest in real estate aligns with Meghan’s broader financial strategy of securing assets that provide both security and potential appreciation.
Challenges and Financial Setbacks
Despite their financial successes, Meghan and Harry have faced setbacks. Their decision to step back from royal duties meant losing the ability to monetize the “Sussex Royal” brand, which could have generated millions through merchandise and endorsements. They were also cut off from the Duchy of Cornwall’s funds following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, with control of the estate passing to Prince William.
Additionally, the mixed reception of their Netflix projects has raised questions about the long-term viability of their media empire. However, Meghan’s business acumen and Harry’s global appeal suggest that they are likely to adapt and expand their portfolio to sustain their wealth.
Philanthropy and the Archewell Foundation
Philanthropy remains a core aspect of Meghan and Harry’s post-royal life. Through the Archewell Foundation, they have supported numerous causes, from COVID-19 relief efforts to promoting mental health awareness and supporting gender equality initiatives. Meghan’s previous philanthropic work, including her advocacy for women’s rights and access to education, continues to shape the foundation’s priorities.
Their charitable activities not only reflect their values but also reinforce their brand, enhancing their appeal to potential business partners and sponsors.
A Growing Financial Empire
From her acting career to strategic business deals and investments, Meghan Markle’s financial journey reflects a blend of independence, business acumen, and a knack for leveraging her public platform. Her net worth of $60 million—shared with Prince Harry—highlights the couple’s ability to build a sustainable financial future beyond the constraints of royal life.
With ongoing media deals, potential real estate appreciation, and an expanding portfolio of business ventures, Meghan Markle’s financial empire seems poised for continued growth, solidifying her status as one of the most influential and financially savvy public figures of her generation.
