Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have traded their royal palace life for a luxurious mansion in Montecito, California.
This dramatic change has led some royal observers to question how long the couple can sustain their current lifestyle without traditional employment. Concerns have been raised about whether Meghan and Harry will soon face the reality of living like the average 99 percent, resorting to dining at places like Sizzler and using coupons to save money.
Eric Bramlett, a realtor and owner of the luxury real estate company Bramlett Residential, believes Meghan and Harry might be financially overextended. Meghan has ventured into the jam business, but her latest launch, consisting of just two jars and some dog biscuits promoted by friend and polo player Nacho Figueras, doesn't seem lucrative enough to support their lifestyle. Bramlett noted that managing a $14 million mansion, such as the one Harry and Meghan own in Montecito, is akin to running a small boutique hotel with residential services, with expenses piling up quickly.
Reports estimate that the couple employs 10 to 15 full-time staff, including housekeepers, private chefs, and security personnel. In addition, they must cover the costs of utilities, landscaping, and maintenance. After being cut loose by Spotify, the couple has not yet fulfilled their rumored plans for polo and cooking shows, raising questions about how they are funding their lifestyle. Speculation about their finances increased after they took an all-expense-paid trip to Nigeria last month, allegedly as guests of a wanted money launderer, according to a French documentary titled "Harry and Meghan: Royal Business."
The maintenance costs for their mansion alone are approximately $4 million a year, not including Meghan's personal expenses for clothing, makeup, and yoga. With such high costs, there are concerns that Meghan could face the risk of having their home repossessed. Eric Bramlett further explained that maintaining a property like theirs involves substantial financial burdens, akin to running a small boutique hotel with residential services.
The couple's new deals aren't materializing quickly enough to offset their expenses. Despite being millionaires, Harry and Meghan reportedly try to live like billionaires, indulging in designer outfits and private jets. Royal expert Tom Quinn claimed that the couple is acutely aware that their money is running out and that they are spending more than they earn. While they currently have enough to sustain their royal lifestyle in America, the launch of their new brand, American Riviera Orchard, suggests that they are conscious of their dwindling finances.
Meghan's brand, American Riviera Orchard, was launched in April but has yet to release any products for the public to buy. So far, she has only sent jars of jam and dog biscuits to close friends and celebrities. The lack of public availability raises questions about the seriousness and readiness of this venture. Additionally, reports indicate that a jar of jam from American Riviera Orchard will cost $250, a price point that seems impractical for most consumers.
Tom Quinn also noted that living among mega-rich celebrities in Montecito, such as Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, puts pressure on Harry and Meghan to keep up with their affluent neighbors. However, if they can't afford to maintain this lifestyle, they might face significant financial difficulties. Given the high maintenance costs and the loss of lucrative deals, it's reasonable to question whether Meghan Markle is at risk of losing her home. The couple's financial situation doesn't look promising, and their extravagant spending habits may be catching up with them. Only time will tell if they can turn things around and secure their financial future.
