ROYAL FAMILY NEWSPrince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'Entire Worth' Was Their Royal Connection — and They 'Blew It,' Source Claims
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly want to preserve their royal ties ahead of their U.K. plans.
Aug. 21 2026, Published 9:48 a.m. ET
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly returning to the U.K. with more than family on their minds.
According to sources, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may have deeper reasons for moving back to Britain after stepping down from their royal duties in 2020.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been considering a stronger return to the U.K. after years of living in California.
While the California-based couple reportedly hopes to connect Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet with their grandfather, , one source claimed their royal ties still drive their public appeal.
“Their entire worth, the entire reason they were even entertained, is because of his title (prince) and their proximity to royalty,” one source told NewsNation. “And they blew it. Big time.”
Their Hollywood Deals Have Had Mixed Results
Sources cited in the report claim financial concerns may be one reason behind the couple's renewed focus on Britain.
Since settling in the U.S., Harry and Meghan have pursued several major entertainment and media projects. However, the sources cited that their business plans have not always delivered the success they initially hoped for.
Netflix signed the couple to a reported $100 million deal, with Harry & Meghan becoming their biggest project for the streaming platform.
Other projects, including Polo, With Love, Meghan and Pearl, have faced cancelations, limited runs or mixed results.
The couple also signed a reported $120 million podcast deal with Spotify. Harry's projects did not move forward, while Meghan's "Archetypes" podcast ended after one season.
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The Failed 'American Dream'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have pursued major deals with Netflix, Spotify and Penguin Random House since leaving royal duties.
Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, has also faced scrutiny over its sales performance.
The report claimed the company has struggled to maintain the level of demand expected from the couple's previous projects.
Another source suggested that the couple's financial situation may have played a role in their decision to spend more time in Britain.
“The American dream did not turn out the way they planned,” the source told Rob Shuter’s Substack page.
They added, “The deals came, the headlines came, but the enormous financial independence they talked about never really materialized.”
'Harry Knows The Family Fortune Is in Britain'
The couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have reportedly been an important reason for maintaining connections with King Charles.
The source then made a stronger claim about the couple's reported motivations for reconnecting with the royal family.
“This is about money. Harry knows the family fortune is in Britain. He also knows his father is the person who can make life much easier for him," they added.
Another source echoed that view, claiming the Sussexes' relationship with Charles could be an important factor in their plans.
“They are coming back because they need Britain — and they need [King] Charles," they added.
Charles was allegedly "made aware" of the pair's decision on Sunday, August 16.
Meanwhile, royal reporter Tom Sykes believes that the return could create a huge problem for Prince William.
“It’s a huge slap in the face for William, and it does also create serious risks for the monarchy,” Sykes said of the future king.
