At 39 years old, Prince Harry—born Henry Charles Albert David—has carved a life that’s both grounded in royalty and dramatically independent of it. With an estimated net worth of $60 million, Prince Harry has become a global figure not just because of his royal bloodline, but also for his military service, philanthropic efforts, and now his booming media ventures with wife Meghan Markle.
So how did the Duke of Sussex go from royal heir to media mogul? Let’s explore the journey that led him to this incredible fortune.
What Was Prince Harry’s Life Like Growing Up?
Prince Harry was born on September 15, 1984, in Paddington, London, as the second son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana. His early life was marked by both immense privilege and deep tragedy. After his parents’ divorce in 1996, Harry lost his mother the following year in a devastating car crash in Paris—an event that deeply impacted his outlook on life and the media.
Known for being more of a “wild child” than his older brother Prince William, Harry’s youth involved more than a few controversies—smoking, partying, and some infamous tabloid incidents. But this “rebel prince” phase was only one chapter in his complex story.
How Did His Military Career Shape His Public Image?
Prince Harry joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2005, where he was commissioned as an officer in the Household Cavalry. Over the course of ten years, he served with distinction, completing two tours of duty in Afghanistan, rising to the rank of Captain, and flying Apache attack helicopters.
During his service, Harry earned approximately $50,000 per year, but more importantly, he earned a newfound respect and matured in the public eye. This chapter of his life gave him purpose and set the foundation for the Invictus Games, an international sports event he launched in 2014 for wounded military veterans.
What Did Prince Harry Inherit From Princess Diana?
A major portion of Harry’s personal fortune came from a trust fund set up by Princess Diana. When he turned 25, he began receiving annual dividends, roughly $450,000 per year, and at age 30, he inherited half of her estate—approximately $17 million. Alongside that came jewelry, family heirlooms, and additional inheritances from his great-grandmother in 2002.
Unlike his brother William, however, Harry does not benefit from the Duchy of Cornwall, a billion-dollar real estate trust reserved for the heir apparent. That fund now supports Prince William and will eventually be passed to his son, Prince George.
Why Did Prince Harry Step Back From the Royal Family?
In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines when they stepped back from official royal duties. Their decision was reportedly fueled by intense media scrutiny, a lack of institutional support, and a desire for financial independence.
As a result of their exit, Harry was cut off financially from the Royal Family. His father, King Charles, had previously paid around $4 million per year to support Harry and Meghan’s staffing and security costs. Without royal backing, they needed to find a way to support themselves—and fast.
How Did Prince Harry Make Money After Leaving Royal Life?
Once they were financially independent, Harry and Meghan moved quickly to secure high-profile media deals:
- Netflix Deal: In 2020, the couple signed a five-year content deal with Netflix, reported to be worth up to $150 million. Through their production company, Archewell Productions, they aim to create documentaries, children’s shows, and scripted content.
- Spotify Deal: That same year, they inked a three-year podcasting deal with Spotify worth $18 million, under the banner Archewell Audio.
- Book Deal: In 2023, Prince Harry released his memoir Spare, which became an instant bestseller. He reportedly received a $20 million advance as part of a four-book publishing deal. He pledged $1.5 million to Sentebale, a charity he co-founded, and another $380,000 to WellChild.
These ventures have played a major role in building Harry’s $60 million net worth, making him one of the most financially independent members of the Royal Family.
Where Does Prince Harry Live Now?
After stepping back from royal duties, Harry and Meghan first spent time in Canada and then settled in California. They initially stayed at Tyler Perry’s Beverly Hills estate, but in August 2020, they purchased a $14.7 million mansion in Montecito, near Santa Barbara.
The property was bought with a $10 million mortgage and a $5 million down payment. In 2023, they officially vacated Frogmore Cottage, the Windsor estate gifted to them by Queen Elizabeth, after being asked to move out by King Charles.
What Is Prince Harry’s Role in Philanthropy?
True to his mother’s legacy, philanthropy is at the heart of Harry’s work. In addition to the Invictus Games, he has supported causes related to mental health, children, and veterans. In 2020, Harry and Meghan launched the Archewell Foundation, which focuses on compassionate community-building and media with purpose.
Their work with Elephants Without Borders, and other conservation and humanitarian efforts, has shown that even away from the crown, Harry is deeply committed to service.
What’s the Deal with His Last Name?
Technically, Prince Harry doesn’t use a last name—as long as he retains the title “His Royal Highness.” When needed, he has used “Harry Wales” (based on his father’s title, Prince of Wales) during his military service.
His children, however, do have last names: Archie and Lilibet use “Mountbatten-Windsor”, a surname combining the Queen’s family name (Windsor) and Prince Philip’s adopted surname (Mountbatten).
What’s Next for Prince Harry?
Despite the drama, financial independence, and the shifting public narrative, Prince Harry remains a globally recognized figure. With more books, shows, and charitable work likely on the horizon, his story is far from over.
Whether he’s a prince in a palace or a father in Montecito, Prince Harry continues to redefine what royalty can look like in the 21st century—and with $60 million in the bank, he’s doing it on his own terms.
