Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: In it for the money, or in it for the love?

The royal family has always been subject to major public speculation, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are certainly no exception. Ever since they bowed out of their royal duties, people have been wondering what their true motives were in doing so. Could they be in it for the money?

Initial step down

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the decision to step back from the royal family, everyone was in shock. Their decision became public in January of this year when they announced they were going to split their time between the UK and North America.

Apparently, this news came as a shock to everyone – and not just fans of the couple. The BBC claimed that no one was consulted in the decision, including the Queen and Prince William. Royals claimed that they were “disappointed” and “hurt” by the sudden news.

Harry & Markle claimed their decision was largely due to their difficulties under media scrutiny. In their official announcement, they stated the choice was made “after many months of reflection and internal discussions.” They continued, explaining, “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty the Queen.”

Were their motivations financial?

When Harry & Markle initially ducked out of their royal duties, part of their reasoning was independent financial stability. Now, Markle is making good on those hopes. The actress recently announced she has invested in “Clevr Brands”, a U.S. start-up company making instant oat milk lattes. Because of this, some, including Daily Express’s royal correspondent Richard Palmer, posit that she’s finally becoming a full-time investor.

Following the news, Palmer tweeted: “A reminder that Harry and Meghan’s desire to make money from their royal status was the root cause of their departure from the Royal Foundation and ultimately the Firm.” He added that “The rows with staff, family, media were all reasons they quit but this was a big part.”

What is the public saying?

Users commented on Palmer’s tweet, agreeing with his statement. One asked: “We know it’s always been about the money but at what point will the RF say using the title is enough?”

Another insisted that, “They should get their titles removed. They shouldn’t be able to profit off it,” and another argued that, “The issue here is not that they make money, the issue is wanting to make money from the royal status when they knew it was not allowed. It’s the shadiness of it all, people can tell.”

Some jumped to Markle’s defense, however. A user commented on Palmer’s tweet, stating, “They left to become financially independent and they are doing that? If they still accepted money for security and housing, I would totally fault them. They aren’t. Why is this worthy of criticism?”

Another stated: “Damned if they do damned if they don’t . . . You were complaining that they were taxpayers’ moochers if they stayed . . . move on! Clearly they did . . .”.

Other investments

Clevr Brands isn’t the couple’s only investment. Harry & Markle also founded a production company signed with Netflix for a couple years. The couple will allegedly use their new company to make a number of documentaries and also do some voiceover work.

What else is on their agenda?

Insiders claim Harry & Meghan intend to make more public appearances in 2021 once COVID-19 safety concerns subside. According to Vanity Fair, one insider insisted that “We will see more of them and in a different way to how we saw them as working royals.” The source added: “It will be more in line with who they are and the way they want to operate from now on.”

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Following a whole lot of drama, Harry & Meghan seem to be finally starting to find their footing. Hopefully they’ll continue to live their best lives, without too many surly tweets from Mr. Palmer.