Harry and Meghan's UK return driven by cash flow pressures despite sizable assets

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will return to the UK by the end of the month with their children, who have already started at new schools. Insiders explain that their outgoings—including two mortgages on a $14.5 million Montecito estate, household staff, a Portuguese holiday home and roughly $3 million a year for security—consume most of what they earn, prompting a reduction to four full-time staff members. Although Meghan’s As Ever lifestyle line is performing well and their combined media deals have yielded more than $100 million, Harry faces a potential $2.6 million liability from a recent privacy lawsuit.

The couple does not plan to sell or rent their California home and have restructured the Archewell Foundation into Archewell Philanthropies, outsourcing most administration. Their ongoing projects include film adaptations and a polo drama, while Harry continues his role at BetterUp and his Travalyst nonprofit. Financial pressures and the pending legal costs are influencing their decision to spend more time in Britain.