Prince Harry may need to embrace a career as an influencer to maintain his luxurious Los Angeles lifestyle, according to a prominent royal commentator. The Duke of Sussex, who recently expressed concerns about social media's negative impact, finds himself at a professional crossroads as he navigates financial independence from the royal family.
The Financial Crossroads
The 41-year-old royal became financially independent when he stepped back from royal duties in 2020. His current income stems from various endorsement deals and media partnerships, alongside his wife Meghan Markle's thriving business ventures. Meghan's lifestyle brand As Ever primarily markets through Instagram, while her acting career continues to develop.
However, according to the Channel 5 documentary The Jobless Prince: What Will Harry Do Next?, Hollywood insiders suggest the Sussexes have struggled to find warm acceptance in Los Angeles circles. Loose Women panellist Jane Moore suggested that Harry's most viable option might be to become a 'dad-fluencer for billionaires' given his current circumstances.
Current Revenue Streams and Challenges
Prince Harry maintains two paid positions with Travalyst, promoting sustainable tourism, and coaching company BetterUp, where he serves as chief impact officer. His charitable work includes the Archewell Foundation and the Invictus Games, though these organisations have their own executive teams.
The royal's financial landscape includes some significant past successes but recent challenges. He received a $20 million advance for his memoir Spare, published in January 2023. The Sussexes' Netflix contract, signed in September 2020 for a reported $100 million, has since been downgraded to a 'first look' deal. Their Spotify partnership, valued at $20 million, proved short-lived.
Harry's solo projects have faced difficulties. His documentary Heart of Invictus recorded among the lowest viewing figures on its streaming platform in 2023, while his polo production was widely criticised. Experts question how he will generate sufficient income to cover his $10 million mortgage following his unsuccessful court battle for taxpayer-funded security.
Meghan's Expanding Ventures
While Harry contemplates his next career move, Meghan Markle is advancing multiple professional endeavours. The Duchess is returning to acting with a cameo appearance in the Amazon-MGM Studios film Close Personal Friends, where she will play herself alongside stars including Lily Collins and Brie Larson.
Simultaneously, her lifestyle brand As Ever continues to expand, recently launching a Christmas collection featuring candles priced at $64 and $89 bottles of Napa Valley Brut. The signature candles reference her wedding date and birthday, with descriptions evoking English countryside memories and California homeliness.
Branding expert Nick Ede suggested that writing represents another potential path for Harry, noting that the Prince has demonstrated talent as an engaging author. Meanwhile, Harry's recent cameo in Meghan's Netflix series appeared awkward according to commentators, with Mail on Sunday's Charlotte Griffiths observing he risks being 'in the background of Meghan's life as well as the royal family's life.'
As the Sussexes navigate their post-royal careers in America, the question of how Prince Harry will establish a sustainable professional identity and income stream remains pressing, with the influencer route emerging as one potential solution to their financial requirements.
