The question of wealth between Prince Harry and Prince William is often debated, as both represent distinct paths to affluence. While William benefits from the inheritance of the Duchy of Cornwall and other royal privileges, Harry and Meghan Markle have carved out their fortune through Hollywood deals and private ventures.
Although comparing their financial statuses is not straightforward, an analysis of their income sources and potential future earnings sheds light on the contrast between their wealth.
Prince William and the Wealth of the Duchy of Cornwall
Prince William’s wealth is deeply tied to his inheritance of the Duchy of Cornwall, an extensive portfolio of properties and assets valued at £1.2 billion.
This inheritance, assumed by William in September 2022 when Charles became King, drastically increased his financial standing. The Duchy, established in the 14th century, is a private estate providing income for the Prince of Wales.
William’s income has grown exponentially since he took control of the Duchy. Before the succession, William received an annual allowance from his father, which he shared with Prince Harry.
By 2023-24, his income from the Duchy reached £23.1 million, nearly double the amount he earned in the prior year. By April 2025, his cumulative earnings from the estate are projected to approach £82 million.
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However, it is essential to note that William does not have full control over the Duchy’s assets. While he can generate income from its properties, he cannot sell any of them.
The funds must also be reinvested into the estate to maintain its value and sustainability. Additionally, William benefits from taxpayer support for royal duties, including security provided by armed police officers, which further alleviates his financial burden.
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In contrast to Harry’s need to manage significant private expenses, including security, William’s privileged position ensures long-term financial stability. Experts suggest that William’s steady and growing income, coupled with investment opportunities, positions him to maintain and expand his wealth over time.
Prince Harry’s Hollywood Ventures and Independent Wealth
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s financial journey reflects a departure from royal traditions. Since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020, the couple has leveraged their royal connections to establish a media empire.
Their notable ventures include a $100 million Netflix contract, a $20 million Spotify deal, and a reported $20 million advance for Harry’s memoir, Spare.
Beyond these high-profile deals, the couple has diversified their portfolio through other avenues. Harry serves as the Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp, a mental health and coaching platform.
Meanwhile, Meghan has invested in lifestyle brands like Clevr Blends, Cesta Collective, and Highbrow Hippie. These ventures, combined with their earnings, contribute to their estimated combined wealth of $140 million.
Unlike William, Harry and Meghan are not obligated to disclose their finances publicly, making it difficult to ascertain the true scale of their wealth. However, their reliance on private investments and Hollywood contracts presents both opportunities and challenges.
The couple has faced substantial expenses, particularly regarding security. After stepping down as working royals, Harry disclosed in Spare that he faced a $6 million annual quote for private security, a cost he found overwhelming. Despite finding a more affordable option, the need to finance such expenses reflects the financial pressures accompanying their independence.
Additionally, Harry and Meghan took out a $9 million mortgage to purchase their California home. While this mortgage could be considered a liability, low-interest rates and investment returns could mitigate its impact on their financial portfolio.
Comparing Wealth: The Duchy vs. Hollywood Ventures
The comparison between William and Harry’s wealth lies in the nature and sustainability of their income sources. William’s wealth, rooted in the Duchy of Cornwall, provides him with a stable and predictable income stream.
By 2025, his cumulative income is projected to rival the upper estimate of Harry and Meghan’s Netflix deal. Moreover, his access to taxpayer-funded resources like security significantly reduces his expenses.
Harry and Meghan’s wealth, on the other hand, is more speculative and tied to the performance of their media and investment ventures.
While their $140 million estimated net worth appears significant, their reliance on high-profile deals and investments introduces potential risks. Experts suggest that if Harry has invested his wealth in the stock market, he may benefit from faster growth rates than the income generated by the Duchy.
Despite these differences, William’s financial position appears more advantageous in the long term. The Duchy’s vast resources and his position as the Prince of Wales provide him with financial security unmatched by Harry’s media empire. William’s ability to reinvest his income and leverage his royal status ensures a steady accumulation of wealth over time.
In contrast, Harry and Meghan’s financial future depends on the success of their ventures and the careful management of their resources. While they have successfully transitioned to financial independence, their wealth remains tied to market fluctuations and public interest in their projects.
Ultimately, while Harry and Meghan have built an impressive fortune through their media endeavors, William’s inheritance of the Duchy of Cornwall positions him to amass greater wealth over time. The long-term sustainability of his income, coupled with his privileged royal position, ensures a financial advantage that is difficult to rival.
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