Meghan Markle Explores Wealth and Guilt in Podcast Finale
In the season finale of her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan Markle sat down with billionaire entrepreneur Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. The episode, which was released on May 27, delved deep into conversations about wealth, financial independence, and the accompanying emotional challenges.
Meghan’s Reflections on Wealth
Meghan Markle addressed the often-taboo topic of financial success, revealing feelings of guilt related to her wealth. Despite having a combined net worth of approximately $60 million with Prince Harry, Markle expressed a desire to shift her mindset about money. She emphasized that many women are discouraged from discussing finances, resulting in a pervasive “guilt mentality” surrounding prosperity.
“A lot of people don’t even realize they have not great narratives around success or around obtaining a lot of financial freedom,” she remarked. She candidly noted her intention to invest in herself and develop a healthier perspective on financial well-being.
“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,” Markle stated.
Insights from Sara Blakely
Blakely chimed in, affirming the idea that money can be enjoyable to earn, spend, and give. “Money makes you more of who you already were,” she said, underscoring the importance of understanding one’s relationship with wealth.
Emotional Challenges of Independent Work
Markle also described the unique emotional landscape that comes with being an independent entrepreneur. She characterized this experience as both “lonely” and “liberating,” noting how pivotal moments—like her partnership with Netflix for her lifestyle brand, As Ever—marked significant shifts in her career.
Royal Background and Career Shifts
Before her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan had an impressive career as an actress, particularly known for her role in Suits. After their wedding in 2019, the couple took on royal duties but stepped back from these roles in early 2020 in pursuit of financial autonomy. In a subsequent interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry revealed that the royal family had cut him off financially, relying on an inheritance from his mother, Princess Diana, to facilitate their new lifestyle.
“Without that, we wouldn’t have been able to do this,” Harry said, referring to their transition to life in California.
Future Ventures
In addition to her Netflix series and recent podcast, Markle launched her lifestyle brand, debuting a collection under the tagline “As ever” in March. This collection notably sold out within an hour, with plans for a restock on the horizon. Meghan shared her deep connection to home, expressing aspirations for future expansion into home goods and fashion. “The category of fashion is something I will explore at a later date,” she remarked, hinting at further endeavors ahead.
