Meghan Markle Fears Being Broke — While Living in a $14M Mansion

Meghan Markle, 2018. Photo courtesy of North Ireland Office under CC BY 2.0.

Meghan Markle just dropped a bombshell about her money fears — and it's got everyone talking. The Duchess of Sussex revealed a shocking truth about her relationship with money that has ignited a firestorm of debate.

The Confession

During the season finale of her podcast, "Confessions of a Female Founder", the Duchess admitted to battling a "guilt mentality" over having wealth and confessed to a lingering "scarcity mindset" — the fear of never having enough, as reported by PEOPLE.

This candid admission comes despite Prince Harry and her staggering net worth and their $14 million Montecito mansion, sparking a fierce public debate over privilege, authenticity, and the complicated feelings surrounding financial success.

Money Talk as a Female Taboo

The Duchess of Sussex's conversation with billionaire Spanx founder Sara Blakely explored how women are often discouraged from discussing finances openly. The Duchess said, "I think so many women, especially, we're taught to not even talk about money, and there's lots of guilt mentality surrounding having a lot," as reported by PEOPLE. Blakely encouraged listeners to become more self-aware about their money narratives, pointing out that many people don't realize they carry limiting beliefs about wealth and success.

Blakely added, "I always tell women, in particular, I say: 'Money is really fun to make, really fun to spend and really fun to give away.' I think money makes you more of who you already were."

The Reality Check: Wealth and Public Skepticism

Despite the Duchess's openness, her remarks have ignited skepticism and criticism. Many point out the stark contrast between her expressed fears and her privileged lifestyle. With a combined net worth of $60 million alongside Prince Harry, lucrative deals with Netflix^® and Spotify^®, and a sprawling home in one of California's most exclusive neighborhoods, the Duchess's financial worries strike some as tone-deaf or out of touch.

Critics argue that such admissions risk alienating audiences who face real financial struggles daily. Branding expert Doug Eldridge told Fox News that, "The personal revelations were inevitable but terribly inauthentic... It's like humidity – you can't see it, but you feel it and it's undeniable. For Meghan, this was a tactic to try and become more relatable to her audience, but you can't fake authenticity; you either have it or you don't. This has been an ongoing struggle for her."

Supporters See a Step Toward Destigmatizing Wealth

On the other side, supporters view the Duchess's candidness as a valuable contribution to breaking down the stigma around women and money. By speaking openly about the "guilt" and "scarcity mindset" many women experience, she is attempting to normalize conversations about financial success and freedom, PEOPLE reported.

Her willingness to discuss these issues publicly may encourage others to confront their own money mindsets and seek healthier relationships with wealth.

The Entrepreneurial Challenge: Freedom and Loneliness

The Duchess also shared insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship. After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, she and Prince Harry aimed to become financially independent.

She described the experience of running her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and partnering with Netflix for her series "With Love, Meghan", as both liberating and lonely. She noted that doing it all on her own was a shift from her original plan and highlighted the dual nature of entrepreneurship — freedom paired with isolation.

The Ongoing Debate: Authenticity and Privilege

The divide in public opinion over the Duchess's money talk reflects a broader debate about authenticity and privilege in the public sphere. Some see her as a relatable figure trying to navigate complex emotions around money, while others view her as out of touch with everyday realities. This tension is amplified by her high-profile status and the scrutiny that comes with it.

Love her or loathe her, Meghan Markle knows how to command attention — and controversy. Whether you see her as brave or breathtakingly tone-deaf, one thing's clear: Meghan's money talk just made her more talked about than ever.

References: Meghan Markle Gets Real About Money and 'Guilt' of Having a Lot | Meghan Markle Reveals 'Fear' of Being Broke: 'We're Taught to Not Even Talk About Money' | Meghan Markle Struggles With Authenticity in Podcast, Experts Claim