Meghan Markle is “determined” to make her latest business venture a success as the fortune she has accumulated with Prince Harry may be “disappearing fast”, according to a royal expert.
The Duchess of Sussex launched her new brand American Riviera Orchard in March, which is expected to stock a wide range of products designed to help the customer achieve her Montecito lifestyle.
As of 2023 Harry and Meghan’s net worth is estimated to be around £48 million ($60 million), thanks to lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, as well as the proceeds from Harry’s memoir Spare.
Before they married in 2018 Meghan’s fortune came from her career as an actress on Suits and some proceeds from her blog The Tig, while Harry had inherited millions from his late mother Princess Diana.
But royal author Tom Quinn believes the couple’s lavish lifestyle could be taking its toll on their bank balance, meaning American Riviera Orchard has to make waves.
He told The Mirror: “Harry and Megan certainly have enough money for now to carry on with their royal lifestyle in America, but the launch of the new brand suggests that they are aware that the money is disappearing fast.”
The final two words “disappearing fast”, have been interpreted as a savage dig at the couple.
Mr Quinn said that being based in Montecito has made them accustomed to living the kind of life that their billionaire neighbours, such as Oprah Winfrey, enjoy.
He added: “They live among mega-rich celebrities in Montecito, and Meghan is determined to live as they live. The idea they might have to make choices about what they can and cannot afford fills the couple with horror.
“This is why whatever happens to Princess Kate and King Charles, the new brand will not be neglected.”
The Sussexes might have made a fortune since they stepped down from royal duties in 2020, but Harry’s various court cases are likely to have cost them a substantial amount.
In February the Duke lost his High Court case against the Home Office, meaning his taxpayer-funded security will not be restored to him should he visit the UK.
Harry is expected to be back in London in May for the Invictus Games 10th anniversary service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
