Meghan Markle, aged 43, boasts a remarkable net worth of $60 million, a fortune she shares with her husband, Prince Harry. Before tying the knot with Harry, Meghan’s individual net worth was around $5 million, primarily earned through her successful acting career, brand endorsements, and business ventures. Prince Harry, on the other hand, brought about $20 million into the marriage, mainly inherited from his late mother, Princess Diana. Together, they have embarked on a path to financial independence, carving out a new life beyond royal duties.
In this article, we delve into Meghan Markle’s net worth, her early life, acting career, business ventures, and how she and Prince Harry have built their wealth after stepping back from their royal roles.
Who Is Meghan Markle?
Rachel Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. Raised by her mother, Doria Ragland, a yoga instructor, and her father, Thomas Markle Sr., an Emmy-winning lighting director, Meghan experienced a diverse upbringing. She attended private schools, culminating in a double major in theater and international studies from Northwestern University in 2003.
Before her royal chapter began, Meghan was an established actress, best known for her role as Rachel Zane on the TV series Suits. Her acting career, combined with her entrepreneurial ventures, laid a solid foundation for her individual net worth.
How Did Meghan Markle Build Her Wealth?
1. Acting Career: A Hollywood Journey
Meghan’s journey in Hollywood wasn’t a smooth ride initially. Like many aspiring actors, she took on various small roles in shows like General Hospital, CSI: NY, and Fringe. However, her breakthrough came in 2011 when she was cast as Rachel Zane on the USA Network’s Suits. Meghan reportedly earned $50,000 per episode, which translated to an annual salary of approximately $450,000. Over seven seasons, she amassed nearly $4 million pre-tax from the show.
Her film roles, including Remember Me and Horrible Bosses, also contributed to her wealth. She earned $187,000 for Remember Me and $171,429 for the short film The Candidate.
2. The Tig and Fashion Ventures
In 2014, Meghan launched The Tig, a lifestyle blog that covered food, fashion, beauty, and travel. With a dedicated following, her blog earned about $80,000 annually through sponsorships and endorsements. Meghan also collaborated with Canadian retailer Reitmans to release two fashion collections inspired by her style, which sold out rapidly.
3. Business Deals and Financial Independence
After stepping back from royal duties in January 2020, Meghan and Harry pursued financial independence with strategic business moves. They inked a five-year, $100 million deal with Netflix to produce documentaries, feature films, and children’s programming. Additionally, they signed an $18 million podcasting deal with Spotify, expanding their influence into the digital space.
In 2023, Meghan signed with WME, one of the most prestigious talent agencies, to represent her brand Archewell. These deals significantly bolstered the couple’s net worth.
4. Real Estate Investments
In August 2020, Meghan and Harry purchased a $14.7 million estate in Montecito, California. They made a $5 million down payment and financed the remaining amount through a $10 million mortgage. This property is not only a luxurious family home but also a valuable asset contributing to their overall wealth.
Why Did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Step Back from Royal Duties?
The decision to step back from royal duties was a turning point for Meghan and Harry. In January 2020, they announced their plan to pursue financial independence and split their time between the United Kingdom and North America. The move was partly driven by their desire for privacy and autonomy from the constraints of royal protocols.
In return for financial independence, the couple agreed not to use their royal titles and repaid approximately $3 million spent on renovating their U.K. residence, Frogmore Cottage.
What Are Meghan Markle’s Philanthropic Efforts?
Meghan has been actively involved in philanthropy even before becoming a royal. She served as a counselor for One Young World and was a global ambassador for World Vision Canada. Her charitable projects continued after her marriage, including work with Grenfell Tower survivors and co-authoring Together: Our Community Cookbook to support victims of the tragedy.
The couple’s charitable foundation, Archewell, focuses on initiatives related to mental health, gender equality, and environmental conservation.
How Has Meghan Markle’s Life Changed After Royal Exit?
Life after stepping down from royal duties has been both challenging and liberating for Meghan and Harry. They now have the freedom to pursue business opportunities and control their public image. Meghan’s signing with WME in 2023 marks her re-entry into the business and media world, focusing on content that aligns with her values.
The couple has also expanded their family, welcoming a son, Archie, in May 2019 and a daughter, Lilibet, in June 2021. They continue to live in California, balancing their roles as parents, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle’s journey from Hollywood actress to Duchess of Sussex and now a financially independent entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable. With a net worth of $60 million, Meghan and Harry have successfully navigated the complexities of public life while building a sustainable financial future. Their story is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of freedom beyond royal constraints.
