What Does Prince Harry Do For A Living? Unpacking The Duke Of Sussex's Independent Life
The question, "What does Prince Harry do for a living?" has become increasingly common since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the groundbreaking decision to step back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020. Moving across the Atlantic to establish a new life in America, Prince Harry has embarked on a unique journey, carving out a path that is financially independent from the British monarchy. Far from the traditional duties of attending charitable events and meeting the public that defined his upbringing, his current life is a blend of entrepreneurial ventures, media production, advocacy, and philanthropy.
For decades, Prince Harry's life was meticulously structured around royal duties. As royal writer Tom Quinn told The Sun, "From childhood, he has been trained to be a royal, attending charitable events and meeting the public." This upbringing instilled a deep sense of public service, yet it also came with significant limitations. After stepping down, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle no longer receive money directly from the Royal Family. Unlike working royals whose wealth primarily comes from vast landholdings under their command, the Sussexes now earn their income independently, a fundamental shift that underpins their new life in the United States.
Forging a New Path: Media Production and Commercial Deals
One of the most significant aspects of Prince Harry's new professional life revolves around media production. Upon their move to America, the couple swiftly secured lucrative commercial arrangements with private companies, most notably with streaming giants Netflix and, initially, Spotify. These deals were instrumental in helping them pay for their $14.7 million mansion in Montecito, California, bought with wife Meghan Markle.
Netflix: Documentaries and Storytelling
The multi-year deal with Netflix has positioned Prince Harry and Meghan as media producers, allowing them to create content that aligns with their values and interests. The most prominent output from this partnership so far has been the highly anticipated "Harry & Meghan" Netflix documentary series. This series offered an intimate look into their activities and how they make their living after distancing themselves from the royal family. Beyond this flagship project, they’ve produced a couple of other projects for the streaming giant, showcasing their commitment to storytelling and bringing important narratives to a global audience.
Archewell Productions and Foundation
Central to their commercial and philanthropic efforts is Archewell, the umbrella organization they established. Harry and Meghan set up the Archewell Charitable Foundation and established commercial arrangements with private companies. While the commercial arm focuses on media production, the foundation serves as their primary vehicle for philanthropic endeavors. It's worth noting that recent IRS filings showed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle each worked just one hour a week for their Archewell Foundation in 2022, a detail that has sparked public discussion about their level of direct involvement.
The Author: "Spare" and Beyond
Another major income stream and a powerful platform for Prince Harry has been his foray into authorship. His memoir, "Spare," published in early 2023, became an instant global bestseller, generating substantial income. The book offered an unprecedented look into his life, his experiences within the Royal Family, and his journey toward independence. As an author, Prince Harry has leveraged his personal story to connect with millions, providing insights into his perspective and challenging existing narratives. The financial success of "Spare" undoubtedly played a significant role in solidifying his independent financial standing, contributing to how much he made for his book and more.
Philanthropy, Advocacy, and Public Speaking
Despite stepping back from official royal duties, Prince Harry has continued his profound commitment to philanthropy and advocacy, albeit on his own terms. He has carved a unique path as a philanthropist, father, and military veteran. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is a humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, author, and environmentalist. His work in these areas is not just a continuation of his past royal life but an expansion, now unburdened by royal protocols.
The Invictus Games
Perhaps his most enduring legacy from his time as a working royal, and one he continues to champion vigorously, is the Invictus Games. This international multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans, was created by Prince Harry. It remains a testament to his dedication to supporting military personnel and their recovery, showcasing his deep connection to his military veteran status. He has an impressive résumé, including 10 years in the military.
Mental Wellness and Environmentalism
Prince Harry has become a vocal advocate for mental wellness, openly sharing his own struggles and encouraging others to seek help. This aligns with his broader humanitarian efforts. He is also an environmentalist, using his platform to raise awareness about climate change and conservation. His public speaking engagements often touch upon these crucial topics, allowing him to use his voice for causes he deeply believes in.
Public Speaking Engagements
As a public speaker, Prince Harry commands significant fees, utilizing his unique life experience and global recognition to deliver impactful speeches. Whether it's at a gala honoring veterans in New York, where he joked that he was “living the American dream” after riding in a car shaped like a hot dog, or addressing conferences on mental health, his presence draws considerable attention and provides another avenue for income and influence. Prince Harry is an author, media producer, and public speaker.
Financial Independence and Net Worth
The question of "How does Prince Harry & Meghan Markle make money?" is central to understanding their post-royal life. They no longer receive any money from the Royal Family, having stepped down as working royals in 2020. Their income now primarily stems from their commercial arrangements, book deals, and public speaking engagements. While specifics of their current earnings are not always public, reports estimate their combined net worth to be substantial, with figures around $60 million often cited. This includes his inheritance from the Queen Mother and Princess Diana, which provided a foundational financial cushion. Prince Harry hasn’t been a senior working royal since 2020 — but he still has a bank account worthy of his title. However, despite this impressive net worth, there have been recent reports suggesting that they are "running out of cash," a sentiment that highlights the high cost of maintaining their independent lifestyle and significant security needs. Prince Harry is even challenging the decision to downgrade his UK security protection at London's Court of Appeal, underscoring the ongoing financial implications of his former royal status.
Their financial independence also means they are responsible for their own expenses, including the upkeep of their lavish nine-bedroom mansion with a games room and wine cellar. This is a stark contrast to the days when royal expenses were largely covered by the sovereign grant or the Duchy of Cornwall's revenues.
Challenges and the Path Ahead
Prince Harry's journey has not been without its challenges. The transition has been marked by public scrutiny, legal battles, and a constant negotiation of his identity outside the confines of the monarchy. While some, like royal writer Tom Quinn, have suggested he "just doesn’t have anything to do," his extensive list of projects, advocacy work, and commercial ventures paints a different picture. He has openly described how he “can't ever get out” of the royal family in terms of public perception, yet he does not believe it will ever be possible for him and the Duchess of Sussex to return to the UK as working royals.
The duke and duchess of Sussex left the UK after stepping back from official royal duties. Their departure from Frogmore Cottage, the property given to them by the Queen upon their marriage, further symbolized their complete break from the traditional royal setup in the UK. This physical distance mirrors their financial and professional independence.
Summary
In summary, Prince Harry's professional life has undergone a radical transformation since 2020. No longer funded by the British monarchy, he has meticulously built a portfolio of independent ventures. He is primarily an author, having penned the best-selling memoir "Spare." He is a media producer, spearheading projects through Archewell Productions, most notably with Netflix. Furthermore, he continues his dedicated work as a philanthropist and advocate, championing causes like mental wellness, military veterans through the Invictus Games, and environmentalism. As a public speaker, he leverages his unique experiences and global platform to earn income and influence. While the transition has presented its share of challenges and public debate, Prince Harry has undeniably forged a new, self-sufficient path, defining his own purpose and income streams in America.
Do vs. Does: How to Use Does vs Do in Sentences - Confused Words
Do Vs Does: How To Use Them Correctly In English
Using Do and Does, Definition and Example Sentences USING DO AND DOES
