How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Built a Media Empire After Leaving the Royal Family

After stepping away from royal duties, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle entered uncharted territory. Without public funding, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex turned to media, philanthropy, and storytelling to build a business model centered on independence, purpose, and control.

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their roles as senior working royals, they also stepped away from the financial security tied to the British monarchy. While Harry retained the inheritance left to him by Princess Diana, the couple needed long-term income to support their family and new life in the United States.

Their decision came with legal, reputational, and financial challenges. Public scrutiny intensified, and their choices were debated on a global scale. Still, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved forward together, determined to build something of their own outside royal constraints.

The Birth of Archewell

In 2020, Harry and Meghan launched Archewell, an umbrella organization that includes both a nonprofit foundation and a media production arm. Led by the couple, Archewell reflects their stated mission of supporting community-focused initiatives while producing meaningful content.

The media division quickly formed a major partnership with Netflix. Through that deal, the Sussexes focused on documentaries, series, and films centered on leadership, resilience, and underrepresented stories. Their projects positioned them not only as subjects but also as executive producers shaping the narrative.

High-Profile Projects and Global Reach

Among their most notable releases is the docuseries "Harry & Meghan," which offered a personal look at their relationship and exit from royal life. Other projects include "Heart of Invictus," spotlighting competitors in the Invictus Games, and "Live to Lead," a series featuring interviews with global changemakers.

The Netflix series "Polo" also added to their growing catalog. In audio, Meghan hosted the "Archetypes" podcast, which explored labels placed on women through conversations with well-known guests. The show became one of Spotify’s most talked-about releases during its run.

Philanthropy Remains Central

Outside media production, Prince Harry continues his long-standing charitable work. He remains closely involved with the Invictus Games Foundation, which supports wounded service members and veterans through sports. He also co-founded Sentebale, a charity focused on helping children affected by HIV and poverty in southern Africa.

Meghan has centered much of her philanthropic work on women’s empowerment. Through the Archewell Foundation, she launched the 40x40 initiative, which paired 40 public figures with women seeking mentorship. The effort emphasized career development and economic opportunity during the pandemic.

Setbacks and Public Criticism

Not every venture has been successful. The Sussexes ended their podcast deal with Spotify after one season. The partnership drew criticism, including remarks from Spotify executive Bill Simmons, who publicly referred to the couple as “grifters.” The comments fueled ongoing debates about their business model and output.

Looking Ahead

Meghan has continued to expand her brand with "With Love, Meghan," a Netflix series that has now run for two seasons. She has also re-entered the lifestyle space with the launch of "As Ever," a brand tied to food, home, and personal expression, supported in part by her social media presence.

Through setbacks and successes, Harry and Meghan have remained united in their approach. Their post-royal life has been defined by trial, reinvention, and persistence. By leveraging media and storytelling, they continue to shape a future built on independence, family, and self-determination.