Fresh questions are being raised over Prince Harry’s multi-million pound inheritance, with critics asking why the Duke of Sussex has avoided the level of scrutiny often directed at other royals. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle must be “honest” about their money, having made millions from the royal family.
The debate was reignited during broadcaster Esther Okraku’s recent appearance on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, hosted by Matt Wilkinson. In their conversation, Okraku expressed frustration over the lack of attention given to Prince Harry’s substantial financial windfalls following the deaths of his mother, Princess Diana, and great-grandmother, the Queen Mother.
“It’s an uncomfortable conversation that I think is completely necessary,” Okraku said. “And I think if you’re going to have those conversations, then you might as well have them about Harry as well.”
For context, Princess Diana’s estate—valued at around £13 million at the time of her death—was divided equally between Prince William and Prince Harry. By the time Harry received his share, its value had grown to approximately £20 million due to interest and investments.
Similarly, when the Queen Mother passed away in 2002, she left behind a sizable inheritance. Though the total sum has not been officially confirmed, reports indicate that Prince Harry received a larger share than his older brother, in recognition of the fact that he would not inherit the throne.
“[Prince Harry] inherited, what, £10 million from the late Queen Mother. Why is no one asking him?” Okraku questioned pointedly during the interview. The broadcaster also raised concerns about the public’s tendency to focus financial criticism on other royals, while seemingly giving the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a free pass.
“Why aren’t we criticising them?” she asked, before adding, “He and his upstart wife arguably haven’t earned that money by any means.” Okraku concluded her remarks by calling the ongoing double standard “distasteful,” suggesting that conversations about royal wealth should be balanced and inclusive of all members of the family, not just those within the traditional working ranks.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced extensive media scrutiny since stepping down as senior working royals in 2020. However, financial criticism has often focused more on taxpayer-funded expenses and commercial ventures than on the sizable inheritances Harry received privately from family members.
Okraku’s comments are now adding fuel to the growing debate about royal finances and the public’s right to question them, regardless of where a royal stands in the line of succession.