Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have moved back to the UK after six years in America, and their return could deliver a significant financial boost to the British taxpayer. According to Michele Tieghi, financial expert and founder of psyfi money, the couple could contribute up to £4 million a year to HMRC.
Tax Revenue From Estimated Earnings
The couple earned an estimated £9 million in 2025, and moving their tax residence to the UK would mean that a significant portion of their annual income would become subject to tax. Tieghi estimates they would pay between £3 million and £4 million to HMRC, before accounting for factors such as company structures and foreign income.
Meghan is a United States citizen, meaning she will file a US federal tax return on global income, but most people tend to owe zero due to double taxation relief.
Spending and Tourism Impact
Spending would also contribute through VAT. If the couple spent £2 million, for example, they would pay £300,000 in VAT and other associated taxes combined.
Harry and Meghan's return would gain huge media attention, but it is difficult to predict if they would aid British tourism. American tourism brings in around £7.3 billion a year; if this were to increase by just 1%, then this would add £73 million to the UK economy.
Security and Royal Status
In 2025, Prince Harry lost his Court of Appeal challenge over his security arrangements, and he is currently receiving a bespoke level of protection rather than the automatic level he had when working as a royal.
As non-working royals living in a private residence, the couple will not have access to the Sovereign Fund, which only supports working members. Tieghi estimates that the taxpayer will pay between £1 million and £3 million a year for policing and protection. This could change depending on whether they become more active royals or their threat levels increase.
