Couple reportedly spend $3 million a year on security amid rising lifestyle costs
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s luxurious post-royal life in California comes at a steep cost—one that’s drawing fresh scrutiny in a new documentary exploring their financial reality.
According to Harry and Meghan: Where Did The Money Go, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s lavish lifestyle—centred around their $14.65 million Montecito mansion—is accompanied by soaring expenses, including an estimated $3 million annually on private security.
The couple’s nine-bedroom home, set on 7.4 acres, includes manicured gardens, a private nursery for their children, a separate guest house, and even a rose garden reportedly favoured by Meghan herself. Despite its grandeur, experts note the couple took out a $9.5 million mortgage to afford it, with monthly repayments thought to range between $50,000 and $100,000.
"They're living their lovely, lovely lavish lifestyle," said royal commentator Emily Andrews. "Every detail screams luxury."
The documentary highlights what some experts see as the Sussexes’ most significant challenge since stepping back from royal duties in 2020—the loss of taxpayer-funded security. With official protection withdrawn, the couple has had to fully self-finance their safety.
Russell Myers, royal editor for The Mirror, remarked, “I don't think they thought it through. Once their official protection was stripped away, they were suddenly staring down a massive, unexpected cost."
While the Sussexes continue to build their brand in the U.S., the documentary paints a sobering picture of just how high the price of independence can be—even for royalty.
