The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, faces fresh scrutiny as experts warn her new fashion deal could blight Harry’s fight for taxpayer-funded protection
WORDS: Donna Smiley
Meghan Markle’s latest commercial venture could risk undermining her husband Prince Harry’s ongoing battle for UK security.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, has partnered with AI-driven shopping platform OneOff, allowing her to earn a commission on outfits she wears during public appearances.
Many of the featured looks stem from the couple’s recent visit to Australia.
Meghan and Prince Harry, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 before relocating to California, are said to have financially benefited from their four-day tour in late April, which included engagements in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
Alongside charitable appearances, the visit also included business-related engagements they profited from.
Among them was Meghan’s appearance as a keynote speaker at Sydney’s “Her Best Life” event — a luxury wellness retreat offering experiences such as yoga, sound healing and curated lifestyle sessions.
Meghan’s fashion choices during the trip were criticised as a “money-making plot” as it was announced she had partnered with OneOff to advertise the various outfits she wore during her charitable engagements during the trip.
Pictures were uploaded to the platform — which describes itself as a “style-driven fashion discovery platform powered by the people setting the trends” — and which also features celebrity wardrobes including Rob Lowe, Paris Hilton and Kate Hudson.
It is believed Meghan receives a share of sales.
Meghan supports local brands
On her return, in a rare interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly, Meghan said she deliberately wore pieces from Australian labels during her visit.
“I love being able to wear local designers and celebrate the craftsmanship that’s happening in whatever region I’m travelling to,” she explained. “In 2018, during my trip to Australia, I really focused on smaller labels, female-owned brands, up-and-coming designers and brands with purpose. I have so much fun personally selecting pieces, and I was really happy to be able to do it again for this trip.”
The trip Down Under could have earned the couple as much as $10 million through speaking engagements and brand deals.
“Meghan and Harry could make money from audience aggregation, premium access, brand leverage,” Ted Jenkin, Managing Partner of Exit Wealth Advisors, told Page Six.
“All totaled, this tour could fetch $10 million or more for Meghan and Harry,” Jenkin said. “Anytime these two get in the public eye, it usually follows with a flowing cash register.”
Jenkin estimated the couple could earn $2 million from speaking engagements and appearances, $3.5 million from sponsorships and brand deals, and $4.5 million from media and content value.
An insider claims Meghan is “proud” of the income generated during the trip, despite the backlash. But her obsession with money reportedly makes Harry “uncomfortable”
The News reported that an insider said: “She’s one of those people who gets a huge rush from hitting her goals; success is very addictive for her. Money has been a concern for her lately so this cash infusion is a big win and she’s proud of that.
“But for Harry that’s actually uncomfortable. He was taught never to speak about money. The fact that she’s talking numbers a lot rubs him the wrong way; he sees it as very gauche.”
The controversy comes as Prince Harry prepares for a UK return this summer ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. He continues to challenge the decision to remove his automatic police protection, arguing it is unsafe to bring his family to Britain without full armed security.
Should his appeal succeed, Harry is reportedly keen to attend with Meghan and their children, Prince Archie, six and Princess Lilibet, four.
But critics warn the optics could prove problematic. Royal commentator Stacy Schaverien questioned whether taxpayer-funded security would be appropriate if such visits also generate private income.
