Where does Harry get all his money?

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex has made headlines over the years for his lavish lifestyle and generous philanthropy, leading many to wonder—where does he get all his money from? As the younger son of Charles, Prince of Wales and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, Harry certainly grew up with wealth and privilege. However, since stepping back as a senior working royal in 2020, he has established financial independence from the British royal family.

So how did Harry accumulate his estimated $50 million net worth? Let‘s take an in-depth look at the key sources funding his fortune.

Inheritance from Princess Diana – Estimated $15 Million

The starting point for understanding Harry‘s wealth is the inheritance he received after his mother Diana‘s tragic death in 1997.

• Diana‘s estate was valued at $31.5 million at the time of her death.
• Her will evenly split the fortune between Harry and his older brother Prince William.
• Harry was only 12 years old when he inherited this wealth.
• His $15 million share was kept in a trust managed by the royal family until he turned 30 years old.
• On his 30th birthday in 2014, Harry gained full access to his inheritance from his beloved mother.

According to royal finance expert David McClure, this inheritance formed the "foundation of Harry‘s personal wealth."

Money from the Queen Mother – Estimated $10 Million

In addition to Diana‘s substantial inheritance, Harry also received an estimated $10 million from his great-grandmother the Queen Mother Elizabeth when she passed away in 2002.

• The Queen Mother lived to 101 years old and was known for her shrewd business sense. She left a total estate worth over $70 million.
• Out of her fortune, it is estimated she left $10 million to Prince Harry specifically.
• This inheritance added to Harry‘s independent wealth outside of the annual Duchy of Cornwall income he received from his father Charles.

Royal biographer Penny Junor confirms that "the Queen Mother was very careful in her will to make sure all her great-grandchildren were looked after."

Salary from the British Military – Estimated $500,000 Total

As a young man, Prince Harry served a decade in the British Army, rising to the rank of Captain.

• He enrolled in May 2005 and completed active military service in June 2015.
• During his 10 years of military career, it is estimated Harry earned an annual salary of $45,000 to $55,000.
• Over the full 10 years, his estimated total earnings were around $500,000 from his military service.
• While modest compared to his private wealth, this career provided Harry purpose and income outside of the royal family.
• Today, veteran charities remain one of Harry‘s foremost passions and areas of service.

Funding from the Duchy of Cornwall – Estimated $6 Million Annually

As the son of the Prince of Wales, Harry relied on financial support from his father‘s estate, the Duchy of Cornwall, for his official royal duties and philanthropic projects.

• The Duchy of Cornwall provides income for the heir to the throne and their children. It was established in 1336 by King Edward III to fund his son Edward, Prince of Wales.
• During Harry‘s time as a working royal, it is estimated he received $6 million per year from the Duchy to cover his expenses.
• However, Harry and Meghan voluntarily gave up Duchy of Cornwall funding as part of leaving their senior royal roles in 2020.

Royal expert David McClure estimates that Harry benefited from at least "$6 million a year from his early 20s" from this key royal funding source.

Inheritance from Queen Elizabeth II – Estimated Tens of Millions

While the specifics are private, it is understood that Harry and Meghan received an inheritance from Queen Elizabeth II either before or upon her passing in 2022.

• The Queen‘s personal wealth was estimated around $500 million derived from investments, art, jewels, and real estate.
• Provisions likely exist for her private wealth to be distributed amongst family members through inheritance.
• Harry was known to share a very close relationship with his grandmother, the Queen.
• Royal insiders estimate the Queen may have left tens of millions for Harry. This remains speculation but would align with her estate value.

Royal biographer Angela Levin commented that "*Harry has been left money by the Queen, probably around *$10 to $15 million." This has not been confirmed but demonstrates speculation on the significant inheritance.

Book Deal with Penguin Random House – Estimated $20 Million

In 2021, Harry and Meghan signed a lucrative publishing deal with Penguin Random House rumored to be worth $20 million.

• This fee covers a memoir by Prince Harry expected to be released in late 2023. His book will share personal stories and experiences from his lifetime.
• Additionally, Meghan will publish one or more books with Penguin Random House, although details have not yet been confirmed.
• The publishing deal positions the couple to earn substantial income through their stories and inside perspectives.

Given Penguin Random House‘s typical advances range from $2 to $15 million, royal finance expert David McClure suggests that $20 million indicates an expectation these books will "sell extraordinarily well." This massive book deal further boosts the couple‘s net worth.

Spotify Podcast Deal – Estimated $15 to $25 Million

Also in 2021, the couple signed a multi-year deal with Spotify to produce exclusive podcast content through their production company Archewell Audio.

• The deal is estimated between $15 to $25 million according to various reports.
• So far they have released only one podcast episode – a 2020 holiday special.
• However, Meghan‘s recent trademark filings for "podcasts in the fields of news, sports, lifestyle, wellness, parenting, family, inspiration, motivation, empowerment, human interest, self-help, finances, education, children‘s entertainment, comedy, drama" hint at extensive upcoming podcast offerings.
• Over their multi-year partnership, these new podcasts will provide substantial recurring income as they promote their brand.

Netflix Production Deal – Estimated $100 Million

Harry and Meghan‘s most lucrative deal to date is with Netflix, estimated at $100 million for exclusive content over multiple years.

• This finances their production company Archewell Productions to create documentaries, films, scripted shows, and children’s programs for the popular streaming service.
• Their first released Netflix series was a documentary called “Harry & Meghan” in late 2022, which contained intimate insights into their lives.
• Upcoming projects in development include Heart of Invictus, a documentary focused on the Invictus Games founded by Harry.

The full $100 million amount is paid over a multi-year period as content is created. As Netflix spends $13 to $14 billion annually on new shows and movies, the deal illustrates Netflix‘s confidence in Meghan and Harry‘s global appeal and potential to attract viewers.

Speaking Engagements and Appearances – Up to $1 Million per Event

Capitalizing on their fame and status, Harry and Meghan can earn up to $1 million per speech through select high-profile speaking engagements and appearances.

• Notable speeches already delivered include Harry appearing at banking giant JP Morgan and the couple recording a special message for the United Nations General Assembly.
• As their star power and draw continues to grow, their earning potential and fees from these appearances also increases.
• This source offers substantial income from promoting their brand and social initiatives to powerful audiences.

According to public speaking expert Roger Love, Harry and Meghan likely earned over $500,000 for the JP Morgan gig alone. He estimates they now charge "at minimum, $1 million” per speech.

Investments and Business Ventures – TBD Earnings Potential

Beyond directly earned income, Harry and Meghan are positioned to build future revenue streams by:

• Making high-return investments through venture capital, private equity, or strategic partnerships
• Building their own media and consumer product companies
• Publishing books focused on wellness, leadership, philanthropy and other areas of passion

While not a significant portion yet, these types of business activities offer strong potential over time as they leverage their global brand and prominence.

For example, Meghan has made investments in female-founded companies like Clevr Blends and Procter & Gamble. Their potential to generate wealth through business and investing is very strong.

Philanthropy Through Archewell Foundation

Rather than hoard their wealth, Harry and Meghan are dedicated to charitable giving through their non-profit Archewell Foundation.

• Formed in 2020 after they stepped back as senior working royals, the foundation distributes grants to partners aligned with their mission of compassion, unity, and hope.
• Some major initiatives include:
  • Partnership with World Central Kitchen provides funding for community relief centers.
  • Investment in the First Gen fund supports women of color entrepreneurs with capitAl
  • $1.5 million committed to fund vaccine access and distribution
  • Partnerships with organizations like Mind, NAACP, and Human First Coalition to advance social justice aims.

While managing their fortune shrewdly, the establishment of Archewell vividly illustrates theircommitment to service and making a positive difference in the world.

Financial Outlook Moving Forward

With their success so far, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seem on the path to build generational wealth for their family. Here are a few key factors that will shape their financial position in the years ahead:

• New Business Deals – If their Netflix series, Spotify podcasts, and books meet success, more lucrative deals will likely follow. There is strong demand for their unique brand and content.
• Investment Portfolio – Growth of investments in startups, venture capital, real estate and other assets. Megahn‘s investing acumen is a strong asset.
• Public Appearances – Demand and fees for their speaking events and appearances will only increase as their fame grows.
• Philanthropy Aims – The impact delivered by Archewell Foundation programs as it distributes millions in grants.
• Family – Expanding their family with children will steadily increase costs but also opportunities.
• Royal Family Reconciliation – Any reconciliation with the royal family could lead to restored access to royal assets and wealth.

At just 38 years old, Harry is strategically set up to accumulate substantial wealth for many decades to come. And with Meghan‘s savvy guidance, they are resetting both their lives and their family‘s financial fortunes entirely on their own terms.

In my assessment, their financial power uniquely positions them to make a meaningful humanitarian difference at scale, while also achieving financial security for their children. This potential impact and legacy would make Princess Diana incredibly proud.