Twelve days have passed since Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle announced their decision to split from the royal family. In their statement, they said that they would step down as front-line royals to lead more private lives, splitting their time between the UK and Canada, and dropping their royal 'HRH' titles.
With their retirement from official royal life, many have wondered what the couple meant when they said they wanted to “work to earn income”. As mentioned in their son Prince Archie’s birth certificate, their occupations until now had entirely to do with their royal position: ‘Prince of UK’ for Harry and ‘Princess of UK’ for Meghan.
What kind of work would they be suited for?
As royals, they were often busy with engagements undertaken on behalf of the Queen, Elizabeth II, including attending charities and entertaining delegates. Post the royal split, their CVs could very well include other job titles.
But, as far as money is concerned, Harry and Meghan are well taken care of. Harry, after the death of his mother Princess Diana, inherited a fortune of £10 million after taxes. He began receiving an annual dividend of an estimated $450,000 a year at the age of 25; the full sum came when he turned 30.
Meghan, who was a popular TV actress (well-known for her role as Rachel Zane in Suits) could resume her acting career. In fact, as of a report on January 12, Meghan had signed a voiceover deal with Disney. Instead of accepting payment, however, she is to donate her earnings to the wildlife charity Elephants Without Borders.
Meghan could also resume her lifestyle website The Tig and return to her stint in clothes design. The couple, who will continue to be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will definitely bank on the Sussex brand that they trademarked by end of last year. According to experts, they could be given a pot of money simply for lending their name to something.
Meghan, who is well-connected in the fashion world could very well use this to her advantage. The brand Sussex could lend its name to numerous things from merchandising to brand endorsements.
Prince Harry last year announced on the couple's official Instagram account that he was partnering with talk show host Oprah Winfrey to create a series for Apple TV on mental health, that will air this year.
Analysts say that books and movie could also prove viable options for Harry—as he could receive millions for an exposé on life as a young royal. Another way forward for the couple could be partnerships with charities and fund-raising activities. Meghan is also part of a UK charity Smart Works, which provides interview training and high quality clothes for unemployed women in need.
Harry could in coming years could also take up the post of Canada's Governor-General. In a poll, 60 per cent of Canadians voted saying they would support the Duke of Sussex being the next Governor-General. After all, prior to 1952, all of Canada's governors-general were part of the British aristocracy.
The couple have already gotten some cheeky job offers post their big announcement, including an offer to join the English police force, an invitation to Meghan to join the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and a tweet that read, “Meghan Markle in 2027 winning an Emmy for playing herself in 'The Crown'.
All in all, it looks like the young former royals have no shortage of options for them to be able to foot their own bills.
