Must Read
Harry and Meghan’s Financial Independence: A Risky Endeavor?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step down as senior royals in 2020 was accompanied by their desire to achieve financial independence from the royal family.
However, a royal expert has expressed concerns about the couple's future financial stability, citing an alleged statement made by Harry himself.
While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have indeed managed to detach themselves financially from the royal family, there are indications that they may encounter challenges in the long run.
Upon their departure, Harry and Meghan released a statement affirming their intention to become financially independent while continuing to support Queen Elizabeth II.
Since relocating to California, the couple has explored various avenues to generate income.
They have secured lucrative deals with media giants Netflix and Spotify, producing content for these platforms.
Additionally, the Sussexes have inked a partnership with book publisher Penguin Random House, with Meghan already publishing a children's book titled “The Bench.”
Harry is set to release his memoir in 2022.
Furthermore, Harry and Meghan have also aligned themselves with companies that champion causes close to their hearts.
Harry assumed the role of chief impact officer at BetterUp, a mental health startup, earlier this year.
Recently, both Harry and Meghan became impact partners at Ethic, an investment firm focused on racial justice and environmentalism.
These collaborations not only contribute to their financial stability but also allow them to promote the issues they care deeply about.
Despite their current success, doubts have been raised regarding the couple's ability to sustain their financial independence.
Observers point out that Harry and Meghan lead an extravagant lifestyle, which involves significant expenses.
During their recent trip to New York City, Meghan splurged thousands of dollars on clothing, including a cashmere coat worth $5,480 and matching pants priced at $1,680.
The couple also stayed at the luxurious Carlisle Hotel, where some rooms reportedly cost $8,000 per night.
Royal commentator Neil Shaw highlighted the potential consequences of their lavish spending habits.
He referenced a quote attributed to Harry, “What Meghan wants, Meghan gets,” which emerged when Meghan was allegedly denied her preferred tiara for her royal wedding.
Shaw suggested that Meghan's desire for expensive items, particularly clothing, could strain their finances.
Will Harry, now stripped of his royal privileges, be able to foot the bill when things are no longer provided for free?
Shaw pondered.
Criticism has also been directed at the Sussexes for their perceived detachment from reality.
Meghan faced backlash for wearing an expensive outfit during a visit to a school in Harlem, where many students come from low-income families.
Royal author Katie Nicholl remarked that it seemed out of touch for Meghan to wear a couture coat worth more than the combined incomes of most parents at the school.
Another author, Robert Jobson, predicted that the couple's star power might diminish in the near future.
Recently, Harry and Meghan announced their partnership with Ethic, a sustainable investing firm managing $1.3 billion in assets.
The couple expressed their hope to encourage more young people to invest their money in a sustainable manner, prioritizing issues such as climate change.
However, royal biographer Angela Levin criticized their move, claiming that the couple lacks knowledge in the financial sector and is merely using their status to enrich themselves.
As Harry and Meghan continue to navigate their path towards financial independence, the future remains uncertain.
While they have established successful partnerships and secured lucrative deals, their extravagant lifestyle and occasional missteps have raised questions about their long-term financial stability.
Time will tell whether their endeavors will withstand the test of time or if they will find themselves facing unforeseen challenges along the way.