Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly downsized their household staff in an effort to cut costs, as tensions with the royal family continue to mount.
Since stepping back from royal duties and relocating to the U.S., the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have experienced a steady turnover in staff. Sources say this latest round of cuts includes their communications team, as they aim to manage their spending more carefully.
A royal insider told Page Six, “It’s the same old story — they go through staff faster than most people go through a roll of toilet paper. Milk lasts longer than their employees.”
Though the couple inked a reportedly $100 million deal with Netflix, which included their popular docuseries Harry & Meghan, the deal is set to expire this year. The streaming platform is said to be pivoting to “first look” agreements instead of exclusive contracts, which could significantly reduce the value of any potential renewal.
Lavish Lifestyle, Soaring Costs
Despite their success in the entertainment space, Harry and Meghan face steep ongoing expenses. They no longer receive royal security and reportedly shell out around $2 million a year for their own protection. They also foot the bill for travel, staff salaries, and operations for their Archewell Foundation and media ventures.
Their $14.65 million Montecito mansion, purchased in 2020, came with a $9.5 million mortgage. While the property has appreciated in value — now estimated at $27 million — the couple still pays roughly $288,000 in annual property taxes.
Foreign trips, like recent visits to Nigeria and Colombia, are believed to be partially self-funded, adding to their financial strain.
Staff Departures and Rumors of Workplace Tensions
The Sussexes have reportedly lost as many as 25 staff members since their royal exit. In June, Hello! Magazine noted the sudden departure of four key employees, including Deputy Press Secretary Kyle Boulia, European Communications Director Charlie Gipson, Director of Communications Deesha Tank, and former Head of Operations Lianne Cashin.
Meghan has long faced claims of being difficult to work with. A Vanity Fair piece earlier this year described her as cold and unapproachable when things didn’t go her way. A separate Hollywood Reporter exposé said she was dubbed “Duchess Difficult” by U.S. staff, with one source claiming, “She belittles people and doesn’t take advice.”
In response to the Vanity Fair story, Harry reportedly urged his team to help coordinate a more flattering Us Weekly article featuring positive testimonials from former staff.
Royal Titles Under Threat?
As Harry’s relationship with the royal family remains frosty, insiders say Prince William may be considering stripping the couple of their royal titles once he becomes king.
A source told Radar Online that King Charles, while hurt by Harry’s scathing memoir Spare, fears public backlash if he acts. “He’s worried about his image,” the insider said. “But William doesn’t have those reservations. He’s furious over the damage done to the family’s reputation.”
With financial pressures mounting and royal ties fraying, the Sussexes face a challenging road ahead — both inside and outside the palace gates.
