‘Money-obsessed’ Meghan wants private jet on command – she thought Harry would be worth hundreds of millions, expert claims

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have remained in the public eye since stepping down from their royal duties. The couple’s quest for financial independence and a lavish lifestyle has been a topic of much discussion and speculation. Recently, author and royal expert Tom Bower claimed that Meghan expected Harry to be worth much more money, fueling their luxurious aspirations.

Harry and Meghan’s Departure from the Royal Family

Leaving Royal Duties

When Harry and Meghan left their royal roles in early 2020, they relinquished their official duties and financial support from the Palace. This significant decision was driven by a desire for autonomy and a different lifestyle.

Financial Independence

Cutting ties with the Royal Family meant that the couple had to become financially self-sufficient. This transition was not without challenges, but it also opened up new opportunities for them to leverage their global fame.

Harry and Meghan’s New Ventures

Interviews and Public Appearances

Following their departure, Harry and Meghan engaged in several high-profile interviews, including the infamous Oprah Winfrey interview, which brought many of their grievances against the Royal Family to light.

Meghan’s Podcast

Meghan launched her podcast, Archetypes, in which she explores various societal issues. The podcast has received mixed reviews, with initial episodes garnering significant attention but later episodes failing to maintain the momentum.

Harry’s Memoir: ‘Spare’

In early January, Harry released his tell-all memoir, ‘Spare’. The book delves into his life as a royal and his personal experiences, providing a candid look into his struggles and triumphs.

Success of ‘Spare’

Sales Records

‘Spare’ shattered sales records upon its release. It sold 400,000 copies across physical, e-book, and audio formats on its first day in the UK alone, becoming the fastest-selling non-fiction book in the region. “We always knew this book would fly, but it is exceeding even our most bullish expectations,” Larry Finlay, managing director of Transworld Penguin Random House, said. “As far as we know, the only books to have sold more in their first day are those starring the other Harry (Potter).”

Public and Critical Reception

The book received a mix of reviews, with some praising Harry’s vulnerability and honesty, while others criticized it for airing too much dirty laundry. Nonetheless, its commercial success is undeniable. “Vulnerable and heartfelt, brave and intimate, Spare is the story of someone we may have thought we already knew, but now we can truly come to understand Prince Harry through his own words,” President and publisher of the Random House Group, Gina Centrello, said.

Harry’s Financial Gains from ‘Spare’

Publishing Deal

Harry reportedly received a $20 million advance for ‘Spare’. This lucrative deal underscores the intense public interest in his story. “Looking at these extraordinary first-day sales, readers clearly agree, Spare is a book that demands to be read, and it is a book we are proud to publish,” Centrello added.

Sales Figures

Within days of its release, ‘Spare’ sold 1.4 million copies in the UK, US, and Canada, securing Harry a spot in the Guinness World Records for the fastest-selling non-fiction book. On its website, Guinness World Records announced that Harry’s tell-all book had become the fastest-selling non-fiction book ever, with an official number of 1.43 million copies sold on its first day in the UK, US, and Canada.

Public Perception of Harry Post-‘Spare’

UK Popularity Ratings

Despite the book’s success, Harry’s popularity in the UK has suffered. A YouGov survey revealed that only 24% of the UK population retained a favorable view of him, a stark contrast to his once-high approval ratings.

Comparisons with Other Royals

Harry and Meghan’s popularity ratings are now lower than those of Prince Andrew among people over 65, reflecting a significant shift in public sentiment.

Potential for Future Books

Harry’s Unpublished Material

Harry revealed that the first draft of ‘Spare’ was 800 pages long, indicating that there is ample material for a potential follow-up book. In an interview with The Telegraph, Harry mentioned that the first draft was “800 pages,” but he and his editor decided to cut it down.

Meghan’s Potential Memoir

Speculation is rife that Meghan might also write a memoir. Given the success of ‘Spare’, a book by Meghan would likely attract significant interest and potentially even surpass Harry’s sales. “Harry could easily overtake the combined book sales of the Obamas, the company’s current joint best-selling authors. That’s why the heat is on to get Meghan’s version of events – both with the Royal Family and her own family members in America – out there in print as soon as possible, ideally early next year to pick up sales when demand for Spare slows down,” a senior industry source told the Express.

Harry and Meghan’s Financial Situation

Netflix and Spotify Deals

The couple has secured substantial deals with Netflix and Spotify, reportedly worth $100 million and $18 million, respectively. These deals are crucial to their financial stability and ongoing projects. According to an industry expert speaking to Newsweek, the Spotify deal itself might be worth $35 million.

Estimated Net Worth

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Meghan’s net worth is around $60 million. Combined with Harry’s earnings, the couple appears to be financially well-off, yet their expenditures suggest they seek even greater wealth.

Claims of Meghan’s ‘Money-Obsessed’ Nature

Tom Bower’s Assertions

Author Tom Bower claims that Meghan is “money-obsessed” and expected Harry to be worth far more than he is. This perceived disappointment has driven their pursuit of lucrative deals. “Her great surprise and disappointment were that Prince Harry had very little money,” Bower told the Express. “She had imagined he would be worth hundreds of millions, if not billions, and she is having to make up for it now.”

Expectations vs. Reality

Bower suggests that Meghan’s expectation of a billionaire lifestyle was not met, and she is now striving to achieve the luxurious life she envisioned through various financial endeavors. “She wants to ride in the big Cadillacs, the private jets on command. At the moment, she needs to scrounge for those sorts of things,” Bower added.

Living the Lavish Lifestyle

Montecito Mansion

Harry and Meghan reside in a luxurious mansion in Montecito, California, far from the prying eyes of the British paparazzi. Their home is a symbol of the opulent lifestyle they desire.

Luxurious Spending

Reports indicate that Meghan desires luxury cars and private jets on command. This extravagant lifestyle has been a point of contention and public scrutiny. Royal commentator Daniela Elser wrote in the New Zealand Herald, “The issue is not only how much they are making but how tiddly that sum is in contrast with what their new best friends are all raking in.”

Criticisms and Mockery

South Park Episode

Harry and Meghan have been mocked in various media outlets, including a recent episode of South Park. The episode lampooned their quest for privacy while remaining in the public eye.

Media Scrutiny

The couple’s every move is closely watched and often criticized by the media. Their financial decisions and lifestyle choices continue to be a source of controversy.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s journey from royal life to financial independence has been fraught with challenges and triumphs. While they have achieved significant success with ventures like Harry’s memoir, ‘Spare’, their lavish lifestyle and financial aspirations remain topics of public and media scrutiny. Meghan’s expectations of wealth and their ongoing efforts to secure financial stability underscore the complexities of their new life in the spotlight.