In a stunning unraveling of their post-royal empire, the Sussexes now face a financial abyss. The Spotify arrangement, once valued at $25 million, was abruptly terminated in June 2023 due to broken promises and minimal content delivery. Their Netflix contract, potentially worth up to $100 million, expires this September with renewal all but off the table.
Industry insiders confirm a pervasive pattern of unmet commitments and operational mismanagement. Spotify’s public cancellation followed only 13 podcast episodes, a fraction of what was initially promised. Netflix executives openly question renewal feasibility, citing underwhelming output—just three documentaries over five years.
Adding to the crisis, the Archewell Foundation’s finances reveal a staggering 89% overhead rate. Only a meager 11% of funds serve charitable efforts, sparking skepticism about the organization’s management and overall sustainability. These figures, drawn from official IRS filings, underscore the foundation’s failure to establish philanthropic credibility.
No significant new partnerships or deals have emerged to offset these losses. The Sussexes’ combined potential earnings of $125 million over five years have dwindled sharply. With Spotify and Netflix revenues sliding, projected losses accumulate between $80 to $90 million, signalling a full-scale business collapse.
This systematic failure marks more than just disappointing business outcomes. It’s a profound reputational blow, with public support eroding as the promised achievements fail to materialize. Polls reflect a plummeting favorability rating in both the US and UK, further exacerbating the couple’s challenge to attract future deals.
Experts highlight the critical damage to Harry and Meghan’s credibility. Spotify executive Bill Simmons’s public “grifters” label resonates industry-wide, branding them as unreliable partners. Other media executives echo concerns about their ability to deliver consistent, valuable content required for lucrative contracts.
Financial realities compound the crisis. The couple’s lavish lifestyle, including a Montecito mansion costing hundreds of thousands annually in upkeep, plus $2-3 million in private security, drives expenses past $5 million a year. Without new income streams, their spending far exceeds projected earnings post-Netflix.
Potential paths forward appear limited and fraught. Securing new streaming deals is improbable given past failures and industry skepticism. Dramatic lifestyle downsizing would save expenses but requires public admission of defeat. Return to royal duties remains unlikely amid ongoing family tensions.
Speaking engagements and one-off projects offer sporadic income but lack Netflix’s reliability. Inheritance funds may cushion financial decline but cannot sustain long-term needs alone. Worst-case scenarios of bankruptcy or restructuring loom if expenditure continues unabated without replenished revenues.