Earlier than Meghan Markle grew to become the Duchess of Sussex, she was already dwelling a reasonably charmed life. She had a strong gig as a part of the principle solid of “Fits,” ran a well-curated way of life weblog referred to as The Tig, and even had a surprisingly healthful facet hustle as a calligrapher, having made marriage ceremony invites for Robin Thicke. She was additionally dabbling in charity work nicely earlier than it was a part of the royal job description. With all that on her plate, Meghan was dwelling a reasonably comfy life — and certain would’ve continued doing so even with out ever changing into a duchess.

However marrying into the Agency meant letting go of the Hollywood paychecks, the weblog, and something remotely resembling private model monetization. No massive deal, although — royals do not precisely dwell paycheck to paycheck. Whereas she was a working royal, 95% of her earnings got here from King Charles, with the opposite 5% from the Sovereign Grant (i.e., taxpayer cash). And even after she and Harry stepped down as senior royals and peaced out to California, Charles reportedly handed them a “substantial sum” to assist get settled.

To be honest, they did not precisely tough it. The couple put down roots in Montecito, the place their neighbors embrace Oprah Winfrey and Gwyneth Paltrow. They launched their Archewell Basis, signed a string of business offers, and famously landed a reported $20 million take care of Spotify and a $100 million contract with Netflix. The kicker? Markle’s on-line actions have individuals questioning if the cash’s beginning to run dry. Between the podcast fallout, way of life model teasers, and discuss of a Tig revival, it is giving soft-launch facet hustle. It is getting clear she’s not ready round for an additional royal cheque — she’s getting again to work, identical to the pre-duchess days.

In line with Movie star Internet Value, Meghan Markle is price $60 million — a hefty sum, thanks largely to her and Harry’s splashy media offers. However as everyone knows, “web price” is not the identical as chilly, arduous money. And judging by her current hustle, Markle may not be swimming in riches the best way individuals think about.

For starters, she’s now promoting jams, teas, crepe mixes, and different pantry staples underneath her way of life model As Ever (previously American Riviera Orchard). There’s additionally “With Love, Meghan,” her Netflix sequence that landed with extra backlash than raves. However maybe probably the most eyebrow-raising transfer? She’s launched a web-based storefront packed together with her trend and wonder “favorites” — full with affiliate hyperlinks. Sure, Markle is now incomes a small minimize if you happen to purchase that Uniqlo trench coat or Summer time Fridays lip balm she’s posted about. We do not learn about you, but it surely’s giving influencer 101 — simply with a duchess branding. And in keeping with a supply quoted by The Telegraph, Meghan in some way believes it will make her wildly wealthy. “She desires to be a billionaire. She desires a personal jet. She desires to dwell a sure life,” one other insider informed The Solar.

Certain, there’s nothing mistaken with wanting the great life. However whenever you’re counting on lipstick hyperlinks and strawberry jam gross sales to bankroll a billionaire dream, the climb appears steep. Will she pull it off? By no means say by no means — however if you happen to’re relying on affiliate pennies to fund a Gulfstream, it would take some time. And hey, if she managed to land a prince, gracing the duvet of Forbes sometime may not be utterly out of the query.