Prince Harry is reportedly considering seeking assistance from his father, King Charles, amid alleged financial strain affecting his charities and luxurious life with Meghan Markle and their two kids.
The royal couple caused a shock back in 2020 when they stepped down as working royals, moved to the US, and settled in an expensive mansion in Montecito, California.
However, over the years, Prince Harry and Meghan have suffered setbacks, from losing a podcast deal with Spotify to a downgraded Netflix contract, which has led to speculations about their finances.
Prince Harry and Meghan will be making a return to the UK in July with their kids, the BBC recently confirmed. But the report comes amid claims that the duke is planning on begging his dad, King Charles, for help due to mounting financial pressure.
The Montecito-based royals are said to be feeling the weight of their expensive lifestyle as projects dry up, with the duchess allegedly becoming the “breadwinner” in the home, and struggling to keep things afloat.
Royal author, Tom Bower, made an assertion that due to house maintenance, staff salaries, and other expenses, Harry and Meghan would need to be making at least $3 million annually to maintain their lifestyle, which doesn’t seem to be the case.
Harry is also facing his own personal issues linked to his Invictus Games, after a recent scare where the Australian government temporarily axed funding for Invictus Australia, alongside the sudden resignation of a key trustee.
The Duke Is Getting Set To Ask King Charles For A Huge Cash Bailout To Ease His Financial Woes, A Source Claims
According to a publication, Harry has now become more sincere and “candid” with his father during the few times they have spoken, with a source noting that he is “no longer trying to put a brave face on the challenges he and Meghan are dealing with behind the scenes.”
“He has been honest about the financial strain that comes with maintaining their charitable projects, funding a large security operation, supporting their business ventures, and sustaining the lifestyle they have built in California,” a source told OK! Magazine. “The reality is that the costs are enormous and there is a growing feeling on Harry’s side that the pressure has become relentless.”
They added, “[Harry] doesn’t believe he can continue carrying that burden alone forever and wants his father to understand just how difficult things have become.”
Insiders Believe The King Is The Only One With The Ability To Save Prince Harry And Meghan And Restore Their Royal Connections
Speaking further about the couple’s alleged struggles, the source noted that individuals close to the situation believe Harry isn’t just looking for financial help, but a means back into the royal fold.
The duke reportedly feels “cut off from many of the networks and relationships he once relied upon, and he believes his father could help ease some of that isolation.”
“Those around Harry insist this isn’t simply about him getting ready to ask Charles for money when he comes to Britain for the Invictus Games this summer,” the source continued. “In their view, the King is one of the very few people with the influence, connections – and money – to genuinely change the trajectory of Harry and Meghan’s situation.”
The source notes that Harry views his father as a vital lifeline who can help resolve the financial and public relations struggles that have plagued him and Meghan.
Whether through financial backing, public endorsements, high-profile introductions, or a simple stamp of approval, Charles, in his eyes, holds the key to mending their reputation.
The Sussexes’ Commercial Value Continues To Dwindle As The Duke Seeks A Public Show Of Support From His Father
According to OK!, the Sussexes’ inner circle now believes that the massive “commercial interest” and public fascination that followed them after leaving royal life has cooled significantly.
Although the couple remains notable and regularly captures headlines, “the environment around them has changed dramatically.”
“Opportunities are harder fought for, public sentiment is less predictable, and maintaining the kind of profile they have become accustomed to requires a huge amount of investment, effort, and strategic planning,” the source said.
They added, “There is a growing recognition that the automatic goodwill and excitement that initially surrounded their move to California has faded, leaving them under pressure to continually reinvent themselves and justify their relevance.”
Harry reportedly believes that the best way to fix their issues is by getting a “clear public demonstration that the King supports him and Meghan,” a move that could trigger significant change and get influential figures to want to work with the Sussexes again.
Prince Harry And Meghan Are Determined Not To ‘Dip’ Further Into The Duke’s Inheritance
Despite the reports of financial strain, Harry and Meghan still have a lot of options at their disposal, including the Duke of Sussex’s inheritance.
According to Parade, Harry is said to have gotten $10 million from the late Princess Diana when he turned 25, and then, after his 40th birthday, he received another hefty sum of about $8.5 million from a $90 million trust established by his great-grandmother, Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
However, an insider shared with Star Magazine that Harry and Meghan are doing everything they can in order not to have to “dip into his inheritance.”
“Harry and Meghan are watching every dollar right now. Their cash flow, or lack of it, is a major concern, and it’s been that way for a while,” a source told the publication. “They may be multi-millionaires with savings they’ve tucked away for emergencies, but their outgoings are absolutely huge.”
Now, with the upcoming trip to the UK, it’s unclear if there are plans for a meeting between the Sussexes and the royal family to end the long-running rift.