Prince Harry is currently appealing a High Court ruling that upheld the UK government’s decision to reduce his taxpayer-funded security. After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, his security was downgraded, and he argues it is unsafe for his family to visit the UK without proper protection. The Duke of Sussex stated, “The UK is my home. The UK is central to the heritage of my children. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe” .
The Home Office maintains that Harry still receives “bespoke” security arrangements when in the UK, but his legal team claims private security cannot access critical threat assessments. A February 2024 High Court ruling deemed the government’s approach “legally sound,” but Harry continues to challenge the decision .
Why Harry and Meghan Left the Royal Family
The couple married in 2018 but announced their departure from senior royal duties in January 2020, citing media intrusion and restrictions on their commercial ventures. They retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles but lost the use of “HRH” (His/Her Royal Highness). Harry also relinquished his military appointments .
Their move to California in June 2020 was driven by a desire for privacy while raising their children, Archie and Lilibet. They were later asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage, their UK residence, and now primarily live in Montecito, California .
How Harry and Meghan Earn Money
Before stepping down, 95% of their income came from Prince Charles (now King Charles), with the remaining 5% from the Sovereign Grant. After leaving, they became financially independent through:
Netflix Deal: Their production company, Archewell Productions, created documentaries like Harry & Meghan and Heart of Invictus, as well as Meghan’s lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan .
Podcasts: A $25 million Spotify deal included Archetypes, Meghan’s podcast on female stereotypes. They later partnered with Lemonada Media for Confessions of a Female Founder .
Books: Harry’s memoir, Spare, became a bestseller, while Meghan authored The Bench, a children’s book .
Lifestyle Brand: Meghan launched American Riviera Orchard, later rebranded as As Ever, selling jams, teas, and baking mixes .
Inheritance: Harry received a share of Princess Diana’s £13 million estate and possibly funds from the Queen Mother .
Media Backlash and Legal Battles
Meghan faced intense scrutiny from British tabloids, which she described as overwhelming. In her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, she reflected on the backlash, saying, “You’re going to have to decide whether you’re going to cower or if you’re going to conquer or rise above it” [citation:User’s message].
Harry has pursued legal action against UK newspapers for phone hacking and unlawful information gathering. In January 2025, he settled with News Group Newspapers, which issued an apology and paid damages. Another case against Associated Newspapers (Daily Mail’s publisher) is ongoing .
Family Dynamics and Public Perception
Despite tensions with the royal family, Harry briefly reunited with King Charles after his cancer diagnosis and attended the late Queen’s funeral in 2022. Reports suggest he and Prince William remain estranged .
Meghan has faced criticism over alleged bullying of staff, which she denies. Some former aides defended her, while others described her as demanding .
