How will 'financially independent' Prince Harry earn a living? Trevor Noah and Stephen Colbert have ideas.
![Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QaSxsUM4ugknXzCNBvL2Ud-415-80.jpg)
The surprise announcement by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the duke and duchess of Sussex, that they are stepping down as "senior" members of Britain's royal family, will split their time between the U.K. and North America, and are going to get jobs was big news in the British press — and also, apparently, news to the queen, Harry's grandmother.
"Do you have any idea what that means?!" Stephen Colbert asked on The Late Show. "Because I have no idea what that means. There are 'senior' levels of royal?" What is clear is that "de-crowning themselves will bring some big life changes, because it will enable Harry and Meghan to work for money, something they currently can't do," he added. "This is great. She's an actress. This means Meghan Markle can go back to Suits — and Harry can sell them at Mens Wearhouse."
"Being a member of the royal family has always been one of the sweetest gigs you can have," but "Harry and Meghan are leaving the palace to become 'financially independent,'" Trevor Noah said at The Daily Show. "You see, this is what happens when you bring the first black woman into the royal family. Yeah, she looked at Harry and she was, like, 'N----r, you need to get a job. ... You can't still be living in your mama's house, Harry.'"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"Now the big question is, if Meghan and Harry come to America, where are they gonna live?" Noah said. "I think they'll move to L.A., because Meghan is an actor, and she's gonna want to work again. And then Harry can just join the cast of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
In real life, an unidentified aide told Britain's Daily Mail that Harry and Meghan have "no clue" how they will become "financially independent." But the couple will keep their Frogmore Cottage home and their police protection, the Mail huffs. Harry also gets millions from Prince Charles' estate every year and inherited millions from his late mother, Princess Diana, and great grandmother; Markle earned millions from her acting career; and the couple "may also be able to make money from merchandise. In the past few weeks, the couple have trademarked their Sussex royal brand on more than 100 items, from T-shirts, books, and magazines to teaching materials and emotional support groups."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Charlotte Dujardin and equestrianism's dark side
In the Spotlight Olympic gold medallist and dressage star's suspension over horse whipping brings abuse in horse sports back into the spotlight
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why Roman epic Those About to Die has split the critics
Talking Point Sword and sandals miniseries starring Anthony Hopkins puts spectacle above story
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Why is China stockpiling resources?
The Explainer The superpower has been amassing huge reserves of commodities at great cost despite its economic downturn
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published