When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from their roles as senior working members of the Royal Family in 2020, they appeared determined to create a new life based on independence.

Away from royal duties, they entered the worlds of entertainment, media, and business, hoping to build a new identity beyond the monarchy.

But years later, a new debate has emerged around one question: should the Sussexes continue distancing themselves from their royal connection, or should they use that connection as their greatest advantage?

According to StyleCaster, sources claim that Meghan Markle has been encouraging Prince Harry to find ways to monetize his royal status, especially as the couple has reportedly struggled to secure major Hollywood partnerships since moving to Los Angeles.

The report suggests that Meghan believes Harry’s own views about the entertainment industry may be limiting their opportunities.

A source quoted by Star claimed Meghan feels Harry’s “biases” are preventing him from pursuing bigger financial opportunities.

The source said:

“What she wants is for him to stop acting like he’s above the whole Hollywood thing and start getting paid.”

The insider added that there are many opportunities available if Harry would simply change his approach and become more open to the entertainment world.

This reportedly highlights a major difference between the couple.

While Meghan is described as seeing their royal background as a valuable asset, Harry has often been portrayed as uncomfortable with the Hollywood lifestyle that came after their move to America.

Earlier in 2026, another source claimed Harry wanted little involvement with Hollywood circles, including spending time with Meghan’s celebrity connections.

The insider said Harry never imagined he would be expected to become close with figures connected to the Kardashian world, describing the situation as something that felt “surreal” and embarrassing for him.

According to the source, Harry would rather spend a quiet evening at home reading a book than attend events where celebrities gather for photos and networking.

This contrast has created questions about how the couple views their future.

For Meghan, their public profile may represent an opportunity to build businesses, entertainment projects, and financial security. For Harry, maintaining distance from certain aspects of fame may be connected to his desire to create a life separate from the pressures of royal expectations.

However, the report suggests Meghan is not asking Harry to abandon his personal values or charitable work.

A source explained that she supports Harry’s commitment to causes he cares about and is proud of his achievements.

But the insider claimed Meghan believes charity work alone cannot be the only focus when they also need to provide financially for their family.

The source said:

“She wants him to find a way to monetize it, whether that means doing cameos in movies or TV shows or starting a podcast. She really doesn’t care.”

The same source added:

“It can’t be all on her to support them.”

The discussion around money comes shortly after Harry, Meghan, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, reportedly met with King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their UK visit in July 2026.

According to sources cited by RadarOnline, the meeting may have been influenced not only by a desire to repair family relationships but also by growing commercial pressure.

Some insiders claimed Harry and Meghan are beginning to recognize that their royal connection remains their “biggest asset.”

The report suggested that rebuilding a more civil relationship with the monarchy could potentially strengthen the value of their personal brand after several challenging years in business and entertainment.

One source stated:

“There is no escaping the financial reality of the situation.”

The insider explained that the entertainment industry is extremely competitive and that opportunities that once appeared easily available may no longer be guaranteed.

This has led to speculation that maintaining a connection with the Royal Family could become increasingly important for their long-term success.

However, the motivations behind any improvement in relations remain debated.

Some believe it could be about genuine family reconciliation, while others question whether financial considerations are also playing a role.

Another source made a much stronger claim:

“Basically, the Sussexes want back in the royal family as they fear their lifestyle may go bankrupt.”

The report does not confirm that Harry and Meghan are facing financial collapse, nor does it provide evidence that they are attempting to return to official royal duties.

Instead, it presents claims from unnamed sources about the pressures surrounding their public image and financial strategy.

Ultimately, the situation reflects a larger challenge facing Harry and Meghan after leaving the Royal Family.

They wanted independence from the institution, but their royal identity remains one of the most recognizable parts of their brand.

The very connection they once stepped away from may now be viewed as one of their strongest assets.

For Meghan, that could represent an opportunity to expand their influence. For Harry, it may represent a complicated relationship with the past he tried to leave behind.

As the Sussexes continue building their future, the biggest question may not be whether they can move beyond their royal identity — but how they choose to use it.