William And Kate’s Quiet Rise In America Puts Harry And Meghan’s Royal Future Under Fresh Scrutiny

The Duchess of Sussex marked her 45th birthday this week by posting a photograph of her leaping into an outdoor swimming pool

When Harry and Meghan moved to California, their supporters expected them to raise millions with the help of a ‘court’ of wealthy American friends

When Meghan Markle celebrated her 45th birthday this week with a playful photograph of herself jumping into a swimming pool with balloons in hand, the image quickly attracted attention around the world.

But away from the birthday headlines, another royal story was quietly unfolding — and this one was about influence, popularity, and the battle for public support across the Atlantic.

According to newly released charity figures, the Prince and Princess of Wales continue to attract significant backing from American supporters, raising fresh questions about how the two royal couples have built their identities since Harry and Meghan left official royal duties.

The numbers reveal that the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales received millions through its American Friends branch, highlighting the continued strength of William and Kate’s charitable appeal in the United States.

For a couple whose future role in the monarchy has always been tied to public service, the figures represent more than just financial support. They suggest that the Waleses have successfully positioned themselves as a modern royal brand focused on long-term causes, including Catherine’s early childhood work, William’s fight against homelessness, and environmental projects.

In many ways, this has become one of the biggest differences between the two couples.

 

Meanwhile, accounts reveal that the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales received an astonishing £8.7million last year from its US office

However, Archewell’s latest accounts report total revenues in 2024 of just $2.6million (£1.93million). They brought in $5.7million (£4.25million) the previous year.

When Harry and Meghan moved to California in 2020, expectations were enormous. Many believed their global popularity, celebrity connections, and friendships with influential figures would allow their charitable work to become one of the most powerful forces in the philanthropic world.

Their organization, Archewell, was launched with ambitious goals and a promise to create meaningful change.

However, recent figures show a very different picture. Reports indicate Archewell’s revenues have been significantly lower than the financial support received by the Royal Foundation’s American branch, raising questions about whether the Sussexes’ post-royal strategy has delivered the impact many predicted.

In my view, the biggest challenge for Harry and Meghan has never been attention — they have never struggled to attract headlines. The challenge has always been converting that attention into lasting trust, institutional influence, and measurable results.

The couple remains globally recognized, but public visibility does not always translate into long-term credibility. For charities especially, reputation, consistency, and relationships often matter just as much as fame.

Meanwhile, William and Kate appear to have taken a quieter approach. Rather than competing for constant media attention, they have focused heavily on their causes and allowed their work to shape their image.

That strategy may explain why their support continues to grow among some American audiences, even in Meghan’s home country.

Harry has also faced a difficult period regarding his charitable connections. His departure from Sentebale, the organization he helped establish for children affected by HIV in southern Africa, became a major public dispute, with both sides involved in ongoing legal conflict.

The situation has created an uncomfortable contrast. A prince once widely admired for his humanitarian work is now increasingly associated in headlines with battles, disagreements, and public disputes.

Of course, supporters of Harry and Meghan argue that they remain committed to important causes and that criticism often follows them because of their unique position.

But the latest charity figures highlight a larger question facing both couples: in the modern royal world, is influence measured by fame — or by the ability to build something that lasts?

For William and Kate, the answer appears to be increasingly connected to steady growth and institutional support.

For Harry and Meghan, the next chapter may depend on whether they can transform global attention into the kind of lasting legacy they originally set out to create.