Prince Harry’s financial independence, a hallmark of his and Meghan Markle’s post-royal life in California, could be in jeopardy if recent reports about their Netflix deal prove true. According to veteran royal journalist Angela Levin, the Duke of Sussex may soon find himself seeking financial help from his father, King Charles III, should the streaming giant decide not to renew their lucrative contract.

Levin, who spent a year closely following Prince Harry to pen his 2018 biography, made these claims during an interview with GB News. She suggested that Netflix is allegedly "fed up" with the couple, whose original content has reportedly failed to meet expectations. The couple's five-year, $100 million deal with the platform, signed in 2020, may not be renewed, potentially leaving them in a precarious financial situation.

“If Netflix pulls the plug, Harry might have to swallow his pride and ask King Charles for money,” Levin stated. The loss of the Netflix deal would be a significant blow, especially following the couple’s earlier departure from Spotify, which ended their podcast deal last year. This could severely impact their ability to maintain their lavish lifestyle in Montecito, California, and continue their commitment to financial independence from the British royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s move to California in 2020 was marked by their declaration to be financially independent, no longer relying on the Sovereign Grant, a taxpayer-funded allowance provided to senior royals. To achieve this, they inked major deals with Netflix and Spotify, alongside a lucrative book contract with Penguin Random House worth an estimated $35 million to $40 million. Prince Harry’s memoir Spare, the first book from this deal, has already been a financial success, reportedly earning him tens of millions of dollars.

Despite these earnings, Levin suggested that the couple’s financial future is far from secure. She pointed out that while their 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan was a success, their subsequent projects have not generated the same level of interest or acclaim. Meghan’s cooking and lifestyle show, as well as Harry’s polo series, are reportedly behind schedule, with no releases expected until at least February next year.

“Netflix is not thrilled with what they’ve produced so far,” Levin claimed. “The lack of original content and slow production pace aren’t helping their case.” She also suggested that the couple’s inability to deliver projects with the same impact as their initial docuseries could lead to Netflix pulling out of the deal altogether.

The potential loss of the Netflix deal could force Prince Harry to reconsider his options, including a possible return to the UK to seek financial assistance from King Charles. Levin speculated that this might even be a motive behind recent discussions about the couple returning to the UK.

“I think Harry will try and get some money out of the King,” Levin said. “It’s possible they’re considering a return to the UK to discuss financial support.”

The situation underscores the complexities of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's attempt to carve out a financially independent life away from the British royal family. Their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 and move to the United States was partly driven by a desire for financial autonomy. At the time, Harry revealed in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that his family had "cut [him] off financially," leaving him to rely on the inheritance from his mother, Princess Diana, to support his family’s relocation.

Despite their significant earnings over the past few years, the couple’s combined net worth, estimated at $60 million, could face pressure without the continuation of their media deals. However, Prince Harry is also set to inherit a reported $8.5 million from his late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, next month, which could provide some financial relief.

As the renewal of the Netflix deal remains uncertain, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may need to explore other avenues to sustain their lifestyle and maintain their independence from the British royal family. The possibility of seeking support from King Charles, should their financial situation become strained, adds another layer of intrigue to their ongoing journey outside the traditional confines of royal life.