Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has garnered immense global attention for her transition from a successful acting career to royal life. Her wealth has grown considerably over the years due to her acting career, brand endorsements, and recent ventures into content creation and business partnerships. As of 2024, Meghan Markle’s estimated net worth stands at around $60 million, a figure that reflects both her individual success and her financial ties to her husband, Prince Harry. This article focuses solely on Meghan Markle’s net worth, detailing her sources of income, wealth accumulation, and comparison with the estimated net worth of Prince William.
Meghan Markle’s Acting Career and Early Wealth
Before her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle built her own career in Hollywood, most notably starring as Rachel Zane on the hit TV series Suits. Her acting career spanned nearly two decades and was the main contributor to her wealth in the years before joining the British Royal Family.
Earnings from Suits
Meghan starred in Suits for seven seasons, earning a substantial income during her time on the show. By the later seasons, it was reported that she was making around $50,000 per episode, making her one of the higher-paid actors on the show. Over the course of her time on Suits, Meghan is believed to have earned between $4 million and $5 million in total. Her role in Suits not only provided her with a solid income but also increased her visibility in the entertainment industry, opening doors to other opportunities.
Other Acting Roles
In addition to Suits, Markle appeared in various TV shows and movies, such as CSI: NY, Fringe, and Horrible Bosses. Though these roles were smaller compared to her breakout part in Suits, they still added to her early wealth. Through acting alone, Meghan Markle is estimated to have earned around $6 million before stepping back from her career to marry Prince Harry.
Meghan Markle’s Transition to Royalty
In 2018, Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, officially becoming the Duchess of Sussex. While marrying into the British Royal Family does not come with a traditional salary, it did significantly increase her global profile and open up new avenues for wealth accumulation. Meghan and Harry initially received financial support from the Sovereign Grant and Prince Charles’s Duchy of Cornwall funds before stepping back as senior royals in 2020.
Financial Independence and New Ventures
In 2020, Meghan and Harry made the monumental decision to step back from their official royal duties, becoming financially independent from the Royal Family. This decision has had a significant impact on both Meghan’s and Harry’s net worth, as they have since embarked on numerous high-profile ventures in the media and content creation spaces.
Major Sources of Wealth After Royal Exit
After stepping back from their royal roles, Meghan and Harry moved to the United States, where they began to forge their own path through a variety of business and media deals. These deals have been instrumental in growing Meghan’s net worth in the years following their departure from royal duties.
Content Creation: Spotify and Netflix Deals
One of the most notable contributors to Meghan Markle’s net worth since her royal exit is the couple’s partnership with major content platforms like Spotify and Netflix. In 2020, Meghan and Harry signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Netflix, reported to be worth $100 million. Under this deal, they are producing documentaries, docuseries, and children’s programming. While the deal is shared with Prince Harry, Meghan’s involvement and contributions to the projects are substantial, adding significant value to her overall financial portfolio.
In addition to Netflix, Meghan and Harry also signed a deal with Spotify to produce podcasts through their company, Archewell Audio. The podcast deal, reportedly worth $25 million, has given Meghan another revenue stream, boosting her net worth further.
Book Deals and Other Media Ventures
In 2021, Meghan published her first children’s book, The Bench, which became a New York Times bestseller. While the income from book sales is not as significant as her media deals, it adds to her growing list of ventures outside of the royal family.
Meghan and Harry have also pursued public speaking opportunities, reportedly commanding $1 million per speech at various events, further increasing their collective wealth.
Meghan Markle’s Real Estate and Investments
Meghan and Harry purchased a mansion in Montecito, California, in 2020, valued at $14.7 million. The couple took out a mortgage to purchase the property, and this investment is considered part of their net worth. In addition to their primary residence, Meghan and Harry have made various investments in startups and ethical companies, further diversifying their financial portfolio.
While the exact value of their investments is not public knowledge, it’s clear that the couple is focused on building long-term wealth through diversified ventures, making their net worth more stable and likely to grow over time.
Comparison: Prince William’s Net Worth
To put Meghan Markle’s estimated net worth of $60 million into perspective, it’s useful to compare it with the net worth of her brother-in-law, Prince William. As of 2024, Prince William’s estimated net worth stands at around $100 million. Much of William’s wealth comes from the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate that generates income for the Prince of Wales, a title William acquired after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
While Meghan Markle’s wealth is largely self-made and earned through her career and ventures, Prince William’s net worth is heavily tied to his royal duties and inheritance. Despite these differences, both Meghan and William have substantial fortunes, though William’s wealth is significantly higher due to his royal status and future as the King of England.
Meghan Markle’s Net Worth Growth Over Time
Meghan’s net worth has seen a steady increase over the years, with the most dramatic growth occurring after her marriage to Prince Harry and their departure from royal duties. Before joining the royal family, Meghan’s net worth was estimated at around $5 million. By 2024, her wealth has grown to $60 million, thanks to her media deals, business ventures, and content creation projects.
As Meghan and Harry continue to expand their brand and business, it’s likely that her net worth will continue to grow in the coming years. With more Netflix productions, potential book deals, and speaking engagements on the horizon, Meghan Markle’s financial future looks incredibly promising.
Conclusion: Meghan Markle’s Impressive Net Worth
In conclusion, Meghan Markle’s net worth of $60 million is a testament to her successful career and entrepreneurial ventures. From her early days as an actress on Suits to her current role as a media mogul and content creator, Meghan has continuously increased her wealth and built a lasting financial legacy.
While her net worth is substantial, it still falls short of Prince William’s estimated $100 million, due in large part to his royal status and inheritance. Nonetheless, Meghan Markle’s financial independence and successful ventures position her as one of the most financially successful women to have entered the British royal family. With more projects and business deals in the works, Meghan’s net worth is expected to continue its upward trajectory for years to come.