Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have recently come under scrutiny for their alleged reluctance to spend their own money. According to multiple sources, the couple often relies on the generosity of others to fund their lifestyle. Most recently, they were reported to have taken a private jet to Vancouver, Canada, for a three-day trip to promote the 2025 Invictus Games. The couple is said to have been 'guests' on the chartered flight.
This is not the first time Harry and Meghan have used private jets or explored luxurious accommodations at no cost. Last October, they flew on a private jet to attend a conference in New York City and then took a vacation in the Caribbean. In November, they attended a concert in Las Vegas on a plane belonging to Texan oil heir Michael Herd, accompanied by A-list celebrities. In January, they jetted off to Jamaica to attend a film premiere, courtesy of Paramount CEO Brian Robbins and his wife Tracy.
When it comes to accommodations, the couple has frequently stayed in homes owned by their wealthy friends. While in Los Angeles, they have reportedly stayed at the home of make-up millionaire Victoria Jackson. They have also utilized the private apartment of lawyer Barry Bloom during their visits to the United Nations. Upon relocating to the US, they initially stayed at movie mogul Tyler Perry's $18 million Los Angeles residence. Furthermore, they spent Christmas and New Year's in a lavish Canadian retreat owned by Russian oligarch Yuri Milner.
While working as senior members of the royal family, Harry and Meghan were prohibited from accepting freebies. However, since stepping down from their royal duties, they have seemingly indulged in luxury gifts and perks. Meghan turned a set of diamonds gifted to Harry into a pinky ring and earrings, and she has been seen wearing clothing from designer Sarah Staudinger's range, who happens to be the wife of Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel.
The couple's financial situation has been a topic of discussion for some time. During a tour of Australia and Fiji in 2018, Meghan reportedly expressed her surprise at not being paid for the engagements. Harry, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, mentioned that he relied on the inheritance left to him by his mother, Princess Diana, to finance their move to the US. He also alluded to receiving a substantial check from his father, Prince Charles, at the time of their departure.
Since leaving the royal family, the couple has secured lucrative deals with Spotify and Netflix. They purchased a $14.6 million estate in Montecito and obtained a mortgage of $9.5 million for the property. Harry recently signed a $20 million deal with Penguin Random House for his memoir, which quickly became a best-seller on Amazon. Markle's latest endeavor is a podcast deal with Lemonada Media, although sources speculate that it may not be a significant money-making opportunity.
Despite some setbacks, such as the termination of their Spotify deal, Harry and Meghan's partnership with Netflix is reportedly going strong. Markle is said to be working on new projects for the streaming platform, and Harry's documentary about Africa is still in development.
In conclusion, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been accused of relying on other people's money to support their lifestyle. While they have amassed their own wealth through recent high-profile deals, controversies surrounding their use of private jets and luxurious accommodations given by wealthy friends continue to tarnish their public image. The couple's financial decisions have become a subject of scrutiny and debate, only adding to the ongoing complexities of their relationship with the media and the public.
