According to insiders, the contrast has reopened old wounds and fuelled a deep sense of injustice for Harry and Meghan, who firmly believe they work “just as hard, if not harder” than the Prince and Princess of Wales — yet face constant backlash for every dollar they earn.
And it’s this stark imbalance, sources claim, that has triggered a new wave of resentment.
William’s effortless millions spark private fury
Prince William, 43, pocketed a staggering $30 million in 2025 alone from the Duchy of Cornwall — the vast private estate he inherited from King Charles III in 2022. The income, which flows automatically with his role as heir to the throne, barely raised an eyebrow in Britain.
But for Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, the figure landed like a punch to the gut.
“Every time Meghan and Harry secure a big payday, they’re slammed from every direction and branded greedy,” an insider reveals. “Yet William can earn $30 million and no one questions it. No outrage. No criticism. Just silence.”
And that sum, sources stress, is only part of the picture.
‘That’s not even his full income’
According to insiders, the Duchy income represents just one stream of William’s wealth. “That’s only what he gets from Cornwall,” the source says. “He’s taking in more than that overall, and you never hear anyone accusing him of being money-hungry.”
To Harry and Meghan, this is the ultimate double standard.
“They feel the rules are completely different depending on which side of the family you’re on,” the insider adds. “William is praised for stability and duty, while Harry and Meghan are attacked for trying to earn a living outside the system.”
The Sussex hustle versus royal security
Since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have relied on high-profile deals with Netflix, Spotify and publishers, alongside speaking engagements and Meghan’s lifestyle ventures. But insiders say the reality behind the scenes is far less glamorous.
“They have to hustle constantly,” says the source. “Nothing is guaranteed. Projects fall through. Deals dry up. Cash flow is a real concern at times.”
By contrast, William’s income is automatic, protected and largely immune to public scrutiny — something that reportedly stings deeply.
“It’s a hard pill to swallow,” the insider admits. “Especially when they look at how different their lives might be if they’d stayed working royals.”
‘We work harder — but get punished for it’
Privately, Harry and Meghan are said to feel their work is more demanding than William’s traditional royal duties.
“They genuinely believe they work extremely hard — even harder than his brother — for causes they truly care about,” says the source. “Mental health, social justice, veterans. But the financial rewards don’t even come close.”
What hurts most, insiders claim, isn’t just the money — it’s the perception.
“They feel punished for independence,” the source explains. “They took a risk, stepped away, and instead of being applauded for standing on their own feet, they’re constantly criticised.”
A jealousy they’ll never admit
Publicly, the Sussexes remain tight-lipped. They’ve never criticised William’s wealth and continue to stress that their focus is on meaningful work, not money.
But behind closed doors, sources say the frustration is very real.
“They would never admit it out loud,” the insider confides. “But watching William quietly cash in while they’re scrambling is galling.”
As the gap between the brothers’ lives continues to widen — one wrapped in royal privilege, the other navigating the brutal realities of the commercial world — the resentment shows no sign of fading.
And with William’s income set to remain stable for decades to come, while Harry and Meghan’s future earnings depend on public favour, the divide between the once-close brothers may now be measured not just in distance — but in millions.