Meghan Markle cost cuts: Duchess reportedly plans more staff layoffs as Prince Harry faces spending crackdown

Reports suggest Meghan Markle is leading a new effort to reduce spending within the Sussex household in Montecito, California. According to claims from an unnamed insider, the Duchess of Sussex is pushing for further staff reductions and tighter financial controls as she and Prince Harry continue navigating life after stepping away from royal duties.


The reported measures come amid ongoing discussion about the couple's finances since their move to the United States in 2020. While there has been no public confirmation of a new round of staff cuts, the claims point to a broader effort to manage costs across the Sussexes' operations and personal lives.

Financial questions surrounding the Sussexes have persisted since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left their roles as senior working royals and relocated to the United States, where they said they intended to become financially independent.

During that period, their Archewell organisation underwent several changes. In December, Page Six reported that approximately 60 per cent of employees connected to the charity had already been let go as the Archewell Foundation transitioned to Archewell Philanthropies.

At the time, a spokesperson confirmed the staff reductions and stated: "Some staff redundancies are inevitable. We will not be discussing these personnel details further."

Those earlier cuts form part of the backdrop to the latest claims regarding spending and staffing decisions.

According to an unnamed source quoted by In Touch Magazine, Meghan Markle, 44, who recently launched her lifestyle brand As Ever, is now leading efforts to review overall spending.


The source claimed that staffing costs are among the first areas being examined.

"They've cut their staff several times before but she's now saying they need to let more people go — Meghan just feels they are spending too much," the insider said. "It will mean they both need to do more to pick up the slack."

If the reported plans move forward, fewer staff members would likely mean that more responsibilities fall directly on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The source suggested this could affect everyday administrative tasks, logistics and work connected to their various projects and ventures.

However, there has been no official confirmation from representatives for the Sussexes regarding another round of layoffs. No details have been provided about which teams, if any, could be affected.

As a result, the claims remain unverified.

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The same source also claimed that Meghan Markle is encouraging Prince Harry to reduce travel to the United Kingdom.

Prince Harry, 41, remains estranged from much of the Royal Family following his departure from royal duties, public criticism of the institution and the publication of his memoir. He now lives in California with Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet.


According to the insider, Meghan has questioned the financial value of frequent UK trips.

"Meghan's pushing Harry to cut way back on his travel to the U.K.," the source said. "Her argument is that the bills are huge and there's nothing to show for it. She doesn't see the point in Harry spending a ton of money to kiss up to people who constantly let him down."

For years, Harry's visits to Britain have often been linked to family matters, the Invictus Games and legal proceedings. The report suggests that these trips are now also being assessed through a financial lens.

Prince Harry is expected to travel to England later this summer for an Invictus Games event, and there has been no indication that he will miss the engagement.

What could reportedly change is how he travels.

"Private jet travel is out of the question going forward too," the insider claimed. "It's just not in the budget."

The report also alleges that spending controls could extend to Harry's personal financial habits.

According to the source, the Duke of Sussex is known for leaving what were described as "outrageous tips" and lending money to friends without hesitation.


"Meghan's putting the kibosh on all of that," the insider said. "From now on, he's under strict orders to think twice before he opens his wallet."

At present, none of the latest claims regarding staffing reductions, travel restrictions or personal spending controls have been publicly confirmed by the Sussex camp.


However, if the reports prove accurate, they would represent another stage in the couple's efforts to manage costs while maintaining the lifestyle and operations they have built since leaving royal life.

The claims suggest a focus on reducing expenses through a combination of smaller teams, lower travel costs and stricter oversight of spending. Whether those reported measures become reality, and whether they help stabilise the Sussexes' long-term financial position, remains to be seen in the months ahead.