Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have embarked on various lucrative ventures, reportedly securing deals exceeding $100 million with major companies like Netflix, Spotify, and Penguin Random House. However, a recent report from Variety reveals that the intended billion-dollar media brand may face significant challenges, with varying success from these partnerships.
Netflix: Approximately $60 Million
The cornerstone of Harry and Meghan’s post-royal financial strategy was their Netflix agreement, finalized in September 2020. Initial reports suggested the deal could be worth upwards of $100 million, but insiders now indicate the actual figure is closer to $60 million spread over five years.
This amount wasn’t a straightforward payment; like many Hollywood deals, it was contingent on development costs, production expenses, and performance metrics. In essence, the total payment depended on the delivery of content.
Despite this, the couple achieved significant success with their six-part docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” which became Netflix’s biggest documentary debut, amassing over 80 million hours of viewing within days of its release.
However, follow-up projects have been inconsistent. Initiatives like “Heart of Invictus,” and Meghan’s lifestyle show “With Love, Meghan,” garnered attention but did not replicate the same cultural impact. Several other planned projects, including the animated series “Pearl,” were ultimately abandoned. According to Variety, the relationship between Archewell and Netflix has cooled, culminating in a shift from an exclusive partnership to a more limited first-look agreement.
Spotify: $15 to $25 Million
In late 2020, the couple also signed a podcast deal with Spotify, estimated to be valued between $15 million and $25 million.
This partnership produced only one notable release: Meghan’s podcast “Archetypes,” which engaged in conversations about the stereotypes women face. While the podcast received favorable reviews, it did not lead to a broader catalog of content.
As of 2023, Spotify and Archewell Audio concluded their partnership after a single season. This split was notably highlighted by criticism from Spotify executive Bill Simmons, who referred to the couple as “grifters.” Similar to their Netflix deal, the full value of the Spotify arrangement was likely linked to output, suggesting they may not have realized the maximum potential payout.
Book Deal: Approximately $40 Million with Future Potential
The book deal between Prince Harry and Penguin Random House is considered the couple’s most straightforward financial success. This agreement is reported to be worth around $40 million, covering multiple books. For his memoir “Spare,” Harry is believed to have received a $20 million advance and an additional $20 million in royalties due to its remarkable sales.
“Spare” became a bestseller, moving over 1.4 million copies on its first day in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, making it the fastest-selling nonfiction book in history. The publishing agreement also includes future titles, potentially allowing Harry to earn an additional ~$20 million if these projects come to fruition.
Unlike deals in film and TV, book publishing provides a clearer path to earnings, with advances paid upfront and royalties based directly on sales. In this aspect, “Spare” has indeed delivered substantial financial success.
So… How Much Have They Actually Made?
When considering the realistic midpoints of each deal, the financial outcomes are as follows:
- Netflix: ~$60 million (maximum potential, likely not fully realized)
- Spotify: ~$15–$25 million (also likely below maximum payout)
- Book deal: ~$40 million (largely realized from “Spare”)
This brings the total estimated earnings to:
- $115 million to $145 million in combined deal value, including potential income from additional books.
What Have They Actually Produced?
- One successful docuseries: “Harry & Meghan”
- One podcast: “Archetypes”
- One documentary series: “Heart of Invictus”
- One lifestyle show: “With Love, Meghan”
- One unscripted sports series: “Polo”
- No scripted films or TV shows released
- One canceled animated series: “Pearl”
- One bestselling book: “Spare”
In light of these outcomes, questions remain about whether the output justifies a valuation of $115 million to $145 million and if these projects lay a solid foundation for a future billion-dollar media brand.
Meet William, a proud Bethel University alumnus with a fervent passion for lifestyle and culture topics. His keen interest doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply engrossed in current events of all kinds. William dedicates himself wholeheartedly to this site, thriving on the collaborative energy he shares with Suzanne, his long-standing partner in crime.
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