The financial future of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, has been a topic of speculation since the couple stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. While King Charles III is their grandfather and the reigning monarch, the question of whether they will receive an inheritance or allowance from him when they reach adulthood remains complex and tied to several factors, including royal tradition, current family dynamics, and legal frameworks.
Historically, members of the British royal family receive inheritances from senior family members. King Charles III himself inherited significant wealth from Queen Elizabeth II, much of which is held in private trusts. These trusts are traditionally used to provide for the monarch’s children and grandchildren, ensuring financial security for future generations. Archie and Lilibet, despite their parents’ departure from royal life, remain in the royal lineage. Their royal titles—Prince and Princess—granted by King Charles in early 2023, further affirm their position in the family.
If Charles follows the precedent set by his predecessors, Archie and Lilibet could inherit funds through these private trusts or personal bequests. However, the exact amount is speculative, as royal wills are sealed and not disclosed to the public.
Royal allowances are traditionally reserved for working members of the family who carry out official duties. Since Prince Harry and Meghan are no longer senior working royals, their children are unlikely to receive financial support from the Sovereign Grant or other public funds tied to the monarchy. However, this does not preclude King Charles from offering personal financial support to Archie and Lilibet.
Reports suggest that King Charles privately funded the Sussex family’s security after their initial departure from the UK. If he maintains a personal interest in their well-being, he may provide a discretionary allowance to Archie and Lilibet, especially as they reach adulthood. Such an allowance would be entirely at the King’s discretion and drawn from his private income, not public funds.
Archie and Lilibet’s financial future will also depend heavily on their parents’ fortunes. Prince Harry has inherited a substantial sum from Princess Diana and the Queen Mother, and Meghan has accumulated wealth through her acting career and business ventures. Together, the Sussexes have forged lucrative partnerships with major brands, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle for their children.
If King Charles leaves a significant inheritance to Archie and Lilibet, it would likely be a private acknowledgment of their royal heritage. However, given the strained relationship between the Sussexes and the monarchy, Charles could also decide to limit their financial involvement, focusing his resources on other royals who actively support the institution.
The exact nature and amount of any inheritance or allowance Archie and Lilibet might receive from King Charles will remain unknown until his passing, as royal financial decisions are typically made behind closed doors. What is clear is that their future will be shaped by a unique blend of royal legacy, family dynamics, and the independent path carved out by their parents.