Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Trying Hard to Hold Onto Montecito Mansion Amid Financial Struggles

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once viewed as the trailblazing royals redefining their futures, are reportedly facing another significant challenge in their post-royal life: the risk of losing their multimillion-dollar mansion in Montecito, California.

The couple, who stepped down as senior working members of the British Royal Family in 2020, have encountered a string of setbacks, and now, new reports suggest that their financial difficulties might be growing more severe.

After their royal exit, Harry and Meghan moved to the United States, purchasing a $14.65 million mansion in the affluent neighborhood of Montecito.

The sprawling estate, complete with nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, was viewed as a symbol of the couple’s new beginning and independence away from the constraints of royal life.

The purchase reflected their desire to raise their children in privacy and security, far from the intense scrutiny of the British media.

Initially, the couple’s move to California was seen as a success. Their relocation brought them a fresh start, and they were welcomed with lucrative offers from major platforms like Netflix and Spotify. T

heir bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 attracted millions of viewers worldwide and further cemented their status as global celebrities.

However, while the couple received significant media attention and high-profile deals in the early stages of their post-royal life, things have taken a turn for the worse, according to industry experts.

According to PR expert Mark Borkowski, Harry and Meghan’s financial situation has become increasingly precarious.

After their initial success, the couple appears to be struggling to maintain the high standard of living they set for themselves. Their Montecito mansion, in particular, has become a point of concern.

Borkowski explained to The Sun that Harry and Meghan are finding it difficult to generate a steady income.

With their exit from the royal family, they were cut off from royal funds, making them fully reliant on the success of their media ventures and public appearances.

The PR expert noted that Hollywood is a fast-paced and financially demanding environment.

To sustain their lavish lifestyle, the Sussexes need to produce content and maintain relevance — something that has been challenging, given recent developments.

“In Hollywood, it’s also about making money, and they need to make a lot of money because they’re cut off from the source,” Borkowski said. “If there’s no positivity, no smiles, and just angst covering their brand, then it becomes unwound.”

One of the couple’s major financial setbacks was the loss of their Spotify deal. In 2020, they signed an exclusive podcast deal with the streaming giant, but the agreement was cut short in 2023.

Their podcast, Archetypes, failed to gain the kind of traction that was initially expected. Meghan’s interviews, though filled with personal anecdotes, didn’t seem to capture the public’s imagination in the way that was hoped.

Their Netflix deal, too, has been under pressure. While their docuseries Harry & Meghan generated some buzz, it didn’t achieve the level of critical acclaim or cultural impact they may have hoped for.

This has raised concerns about whether the couple can continue to produce content that is both commercially successful and resonates with audiences.

According to Borkowski, “The Netflix deals, podcasts, and content just didn’t work. There are only so many Oprah-style interviews you can actually do.”

He added that the couple’s repetitive narrative of their time in the royal family, particularly their grievances, has led to a decline in their popularity.

“Sooner or later, that seemed to be the continual narrative that never changed. The biggest problem for them is that many of their ventures have not worked, and that became news.”

Another issue facing the couple is their public image. Meghan, in particular, has faced criticism for her reported behavior behind the scenes.

She was infamously dubbed ‘Duchess Difficult’ by some royal staffers during her time in the UK, and similar stories have emerged since the couple’s move to the US.

In a report by The Hollywood Reporter, some staff members and collaborators have expressed concerns about working with the couple, citing poor communication and unrealistic expectations.

Read More: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Dealt Major Blow by Hollywood as Industry Turns Its Back

Borkowski believes that these negative perceptions, combined with their inability to produce successful projects, have significantly hurt their brand in Hollywood.

“If you don’t have the currency and are perceived as negative, and your inner sanctum, your staff, reflects poor judgment, then you lose your power,” he explained.

With these financial challenges mounting, the couple is reportedly trying hard to hold onto their Montecito mansion.

The risk of losing the property — a key part of the image they have cultivated in the US — would be a major blow to their public perception. According to Borkowski, the couple is now relying heavily on their Netflix deal to maintain their cash flow after the Spotify deal collapse.

However, it remains uncertain whether they will be able to produce enough successful content to sustain their lifestyle.

“If they are not able to earn sufficient funds, the couple may have to lose their Californian mansion,” he said.

For Harry and Meghan, the coming months are crucial. With their Netflix contract reportedly hanging by a thread and their public image deteriorating, they need a significant turnaround to avoid further financial and reputational damage.

Despite their setbacks, it’s clear that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are still working hard to establish themselves as independent figures outside the royal family.

But as their financial troubles mount, it remains to be seen whether they can regain their footing in Hollywood and secure the future they once envisioned.

For now, it appears the couple is facing an uphill battle to keep their Montecito mansion — a symbol of their new life in the United States.

Should they lose the property, it could mark a major turning point in their post-royal journey, forcing them to rethink their path forward.