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Montecito Today
By the People, for the People
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Lavish Lifestyle Comes at a Cost
The former royals' reported $5-6 million annual expenses raise questions about their future in the UK.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:10pm
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's lavish lifestyle in California comes at a steep financial cost, raising questions about their long-term plans.Montecito TodayA recent report estimates that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spend between $5-6 million per year to maintain their household in Montecito, California, including the costs of their staff and security detail. This comes after the end of their exclusive partnership with Netflix, which reportedly cost the streamer a significant amount of money. The couple's future plans remain uncertain, with speculation that Markle may return to acting and the possibility of the pair touring the UK, though a permanent move back to the UK is still uncertain.
Why it matters
The high costs associated with Markle and Harry's lifestyle raise questions about their long-term financial stability and whether they will need to seek out new revenue streams or potentially scale back their expenses. Their potential return to the UK could also have significant implications for their relationship with the royal family.
The details
According to a report from Woman & Home, Markle and Harry reportedly spend £4-5 million (around $5-6 million) per year to maintain their household in Montecito, California. This includes the costs of their staff and security detail. The report comes after the end of the couple's exclusive partnership with Netflix, which reportedly cost the streamer a significant amount of money. Netflix has since shifted to a more general first-look deal with Markle and Harry's Archewell Productions, and the company has also dropped Markle's jam brand, As Ever.
- In 2020, Markle and Prince Harry signed a multi-year media deal with Netflix.
- In 2022, the couple's much-discussed Harry & Meghan docuseries was released on Netflix.
- More recently, Netflix has reportedly ended its exclusive partnership with Markle and Harry's Archewell Productions.
The players
Meghan Markle
The Duchess of Sussex, who is married to Prince Harry and has stepped back from her role as a working royal.
Prince Harry
The Duke of Sussex, who is married to Meghan Markle and has also stepped back from his role as a working royal.
Netflix
The major streaming platform that had an exclusive partnership with Markle and Harry's Archewell Productions, which has now been scaled back.
Emily Andrews
A reporter for Woman & Home who calculated the estimated $5-6 million annual costs of Markle and Harry's household.
What’s next
Markle and Harry are reportedly planning a tour of Australia, which could serve as a test run for a potential future tour of the UK. However, the possibility of the couple permanently moving back to the UK remains uncertain.
The takeaway
Markle and Harry's lavish lifestyle in California comes at a significant financial cost, raising questions about their long-term financial stability and potential need to seek out new revenue streams. Their future plans, including the possibility of a UK tour or even a permanent move back to the UK, remain uncertain and will likely depend on their ability to manage their expenses and find new opportunities.
