Prince Harry could become a ‘dad influencer’ to fund his extravagant lifestyle if work dries up because he ‘hasn’t hit it off in America’

Prince Harry may have to become an influencer to fund his LA lifestyle, a royal expert has claimed.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, who recently complained of how social media is ‘taking men and boys to very dark places’ became financially independent from the royal family when he quit the Firm in 2020.

His income comes from various endorsement and media deals – as well as his wife Meghan Markle’s business As Ever, which is primarily marketed through Instagram, and her burgeoning acting career.

But with Hollywood insiders saying their is no love lost for the Sussexes in LA, the King’s second son may have to follow in his wife’s footsteps in order to fund his extravagant lifestyle.

Speaking in new Channel 5 documentary The Jobless Prince: What Will Harry Do Next?,  Loose Women’s Jane Moore said that his best option ‘is to become a dad-fluencer for billionaires’. 

She explained that the King’s son ‘hasn’t hit it off in America’ and is now at a crossroads in his career.

The documentary also explored how Harry’s ‘chapter in the US seems to be coming to an end’, with various experts questioning how he will ‘generate income to pay his $10 million mortgage’ in the wake of his failed court battle to secure taxpayer-funded security measures.

If he doesn’t go down the influencer route, Harry could also return to books, experts have speculated. 

‘The writing career could really continue,’ branding expert Nick Ede said.

‘Harry has shown that he is quite entertaining, he’s a good writer, he’s interesting, and people want to read it, so I can see him having a few more books

Harry has two paying jobs, one with Travalyst – a company that promotes sustainable tourism – and one with the coaching company BetterUp, where he is the chief impact officer.

He also has several charitable endeavours, including the Archewell Foundation and the Invictus Games, the Prince’s competition for wounded and sick military service personnel.

Though his charities, Archewell and Invictus – which will likely be Harry’s lasting legacy – have their own experienced executive teams.

Harry was also reportedly paid a $20million (£18.4million) advance for his memoir Spare, published in January 2023.

Then there’s the Sussexes’ contract with Netflix (signed in September 2020, reported as $100million), which has since been ‘downgraded’ to a ‘first look’ deal, and the short-lived Spotify partnership (signed in December 2020, reported as $20million).

Of Harry’s two solo projects, Heart of Invictus gained some of the lowest viewing figures on the streamer in 2023, while last year’s documentary series Polo, which he produced, was widely derided.

When he appeared as a cameo in the final episode of With Love, Meghan, the Prince seemed awkwardly placed amongst his wife’s sunny American gathering.

His income comes from various endorsement and media deals – as well as his wife Meghan Markle ‘s business As Ever, which is primarily marketed through Instagram, and her burgeoning acting career. Meghan pictured on Netflix lifestyle show

While Meghan appeared her ‘most authentic self,’ Harry ‘didn’t fit terribly well’, said Nick.

Commenting on the cameo, Charlotte Griffiths, Editor at Large at the Mail on Sunday said: ‘He’s going to be in the background of Meghan’s life as well as the royal family’s life.’

Meanwhile, Meghan has been making moves beyond the lifestyle space, where she seemed keen to plant herself firmly following the release of her food range and TV show.

The Duchess will be returning to acting, according to new reports. ‘This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves,’ a source said.

Speaking to The Sun, they said Meghan had already been ‘swamped with offers’, but this one had felt right.

According to the studio source, it was an opportunity for her to ‘gently’ dip her toe back into the world of acting, and that everyone on set was ‘super excited’ to have her.

The source said the Duchess has been spotted on the set of the upcoming Amazon-MGM Studios film Close Personal Friends in Pasadena, California.

She is set to play herself, starring alongside Lily Collins, Jack Quaid, and Brie Larson.

Directed by Jason Orley, who previously wrote and directed the Pete Davidson movie Big Time Adolescence, much of the story is currently under wraps, but it is said to involve two couples.

‘Meghan was on the set today,’ another insider told People Magazine on Wednesday. ‘She has a small part. She seemed very relaxed and happy. She introduced herself to everyone and was very sweet and down-to-earth.’

Harry is reportedly on board with the new venture, with the source claiming he was pleased she could return to what she felt passionate about.

It comes eight years after Meghan announced she was stepping down from her acting career.

Elsewhere, Duchess is also travelling at full steam ahead with her lifestyle brand As Ever, which launched its first Christmas range last month.

The Duchess took to Instagram to unveil the collection in a clip showing the mother-of-two decking the halls in an olive green dress, making desserts with her fruit preserves and glazing a turkey with one of her honeys.

Meghan’s festive range includes new products, such as two candles inspired by her wedding date and her August 4 birthday and a 2021 Vintage Napa Valley Brut, costing $89.

Signature Candle No. 519, scented with Moroccan mint, cardamom, and tea leaves apparently ‘evokes the freshness of a day in the English countryside’, according to a gushing description on her website.

It’s said to capture ‘cherished memories’ of the ‘ease and joy’ of Meghan’s wedding day on May 19, 2018, with no mention of rows over bridesmaids’ dresses or the last-minute drama of her father not attending. 

Fans wishing to make their home smell just like the Sussexes’ Montecito mansion can also splash out on the Signature Candle No. 084, which is named after Meghan’s August 4 birth date. 

Scented with water lotus, sandalwood and California poppy, Meghan promises the smell that ‘warms her family home’ will ‘feel like a hug’ – at the cost of $64.

Meanwhile, a 2021 Vintage Napa Valley Brut crafted from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes is a new addition to her range of wines. Costing $89 a bottle, shoppers must purchase more than 12 bottles to avoid a $20 shipping fee.