Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has transformed from a Hollywood actress into a global public figure with a media empire, humanitarian profile, and a net worth estimated at $60 million in 2025, shared with her husband, Prince Harry. Now 43 years old, Meghan’s journey from TV star to duchess to independent entrepreneur has been anything but conventional—and her finances reflect that evolution.
From “Suits” to Sovereign Decisions
Before marrying into the British royal family, Meghan Markle was already financially independent. She earned a steady income as Rachel Zane on the legal drama Suits, appearing in over 100 episodes. By the end of her run, she was reportedly making $50,000 per episode, amounting to roughly $4 million in total from the series. She also had roles in Remember Me and The Candidate, pulling in an additional $360,000 combined.
Markle supplemented her acting income through The Tig, a lifestyle blog she launched in 2014. The site featured articles on food, fashion, and wellness and brought in around $80,000 annually from sponsorships and brand deals before it was shut down in 2017 amid her deepening relationship with Prince Harry.
Royal Status, Real-World Costs
Meghan officially joined the royal family in May 2018, but the couple’s high-profile exit in early 2020 changed everything. After stepping back from royal duties, the Sussexes lost access to the Sovereign Grant and relinquished their use of the “Sussex Royal” brand. That move forced them to become financially self-sufficient, while still living under intense global scrutiny.
In July 2020, the couple bought a $14.65 million mansion in Montecito, California—a 7.4-acre estate featuring nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, a tea house, spa, gym, and even a children’s cottage. Meghan admitted in an interview with The Cut that they initially didn’t think they could afford it. But thanks to future earnings potential, they secured the property with a $9.5 million mortgage.
The Montecito property is where Meghan and Harry are now raising their children, Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana, far from the public life of Windsor.
Netflix and Spotify: Media, Money, and Mixed Reviews
One of the most lucrative post-royal moves came in the form of a Netflix deal, estimated to be worth up to $100–$150 million. Signed in September 2020, the agreement allowed them to launch Archewell Productions, creating documentaries, docuseries, and other original content. The six-part Harry & Meghan series was a hit, but later projects, including the documentary Polo, received lackluster reviews, casting some doubt on the long-term value of the deal.
The couple also signed a $20 million contract with Spotify for their Archewell Audio division. Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, featured notable guests and gained initial buzz—but the partnership ended in 2023, after just 12 episodes. It remains unclear how much of the contract’s full value was actually paid to the couple.
Even so, these projects, along with books and speaking appearances, have helped maintain their multimillion-dollar lifestyle.
The Bench, Speaking Gigs, and Elephants
In 2021, Meghan released a children’s book titled The Bench, reportedly earning a $700,000 advance. While not a commercial blockbuster, it added to her profile as a writer and public figure.
The couple has also joined the Harry Walker Agency, which handles high-profile clients like the Obamas and the Clintons. Their speaking engagement fees are estimated at around $1 million per appearance, with topics ranging from social justice to mental health and leadership.
In terms of charitable work, Meghan lent her voice to Disney’s 2020 documentary Elephant, a narration role done in exchange for a donation to Elephants Without Borders, rather than a paycheck—highlighting the couple’s ongoing commitment to conservation and philanthropy.
The Oprah Interview and Public Relations
One of their most significant media moments came during their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, where they addressed mental health, family tensions, and life behind palace walls. Despite the enormous ratings, Meghan and Harry were not paid for the interview. Oprah clarified on air that the couple received no compensation, nor did they know the questions in advance.
The conversation sparked global debates and made headlines for months, reinforcing the couple’s willingness to control their own narrative, even at the cost of royal tradition.
Does Meghan Still Earn From “Suits”?
While Markle has long since stepped away from acting, she likely continues to receive residual payments from Suits, which remains popular on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. These earnings are modest compared to her current income but provide a steady background revenue stream.
Financial Independence: A Balancing Act
Since leaving their royal roles, Meghan and Harry have made deliberate efforts to become financially independent. They repaid $3 million in taxpayer funds used to renovate Frogmore Cottage, which remains their official U.K. residence. They no longer receive income from the Duchy of Cornwall, which was passed to Prince William following Queen Elizabeth’s death in 2022.
Though the couple’s brand has faced ups and downs, particularly in media, they’ve managed to maintain a strong financial position. The mix of royalties, media production, book sales, and public speaking has helped them retain their $60 million combined net worth without relying on royal funding.
Final Thoughts
Meghan Markle’s net worth in 2025 reflects a smart pivot from royal life to entrepreneurial independence. With a foundation in acting and a future in media, publishing, and philanthropy, she has not only sustained her influence but leveraged it to build wealth on her own terms.
Her story—from briefcase model to duchess to media mogul—is not just about reinvention; it’s about intentional living in the spotlight and crafting a legacy that belongs solely to her and her family.
