Why Some Royals Receive Income Without Working

While senior royals such as King Charles and Prince William receive support for official duties, many lesser-known or more distant members of the royal family earn their own way through careers, businesses, and creative pursuits. Below is an overview of how various royals and close relatives support themselves and contribute professionally.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

After stepping back from frontline royal duties in 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry pursued independent income streams. They signed high-profile media deals, produced podcasts and documentaries, and pivoted between platforms such as Netflix and Spotify before moving some projects to other partners. Meghan has also launched a lifestyle brand and released cookbooks through their philanthropic and commercial efforts, combining entrepreneurial activity with charitable work.

Zara Tindall

Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne, built a successful career in equestrian sport, winning a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Beyond competition, she partners with luxury brands, works on equestrian product collaborations, and serves as an ambassador for sponsors—activities that supplement family income while keeping her rooted in the sporting world.

Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie began her professional life in the art sector after studying at Newcastle University. She worked for an online auction house and later became a director at Hauser & Wirth, a well-known contemporary art gallery in London. Her role in the art world reflects her formal training and longstanding interest in curatorial and gallery work.

Princess Beatrice

Princess Beatrice studied history and moved into the corporate and technology sectors, applying her expertise in strategy and partnerships. She has worked in finance and tech roles and holds a senior position at a software firm that focuses on AI-driven customer engagement. Beatrice balances a professional career with family life and occasional royal engagements.

Peter Phillips

Peter Phillips, who does not hold a royal title, has spent much of his career in commercial roles. He has worked for automotive and motorsport companies and held managerial positions in banking. Peter has also led his own ventures in sports and entertainment, demonstrating a steady presence in the private sector.

Lady Gabriella

Lady Gabriella, daughter of Prince Michael of Kent, studied in the United States and pursued journalism. She has contributed to national newspapers and magazines and works in a largely freelance capacity, combining writing with other creative and media-related projects rather than relying on formal royal duties.

Lady Sarah Chatto

Lady Sarah Chatto, the daughter of Princess Margaret, trained as an artist and has exhibited her paintings with respected galleries. Her professional art practice is complemented by honorary roles in the arts community, including a vice-presidential role with a major ballet institution—reflecting both her artistic career and service to cultural organizations.

Samuel Chatto

Samuel Chatto followed an art-focused education, studying art history, and now works as a maker and teacher. He operates a ceramics studio that produces handcrafted pottery with a minimalist aesthetic, runs occasional workshops, and sells pieces to collectors who appreciate careful design and craftsmanship.

Kate Middleton

Before becoming Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton worked in retail and fashion. She was an accessories buyer for a British label and helped with her family’s party supplies business, applying skills in marketing and photography. Her background in art history has continued to influence her interests and public work.

Prince William

Prince William served as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot in the Royal Air Force and later flew with an air ambulance service, donating his earnings to charity. His operational experience and public-service background are part of a pragmatic approach to leadership, combining professional training with public duties.

Princess Diana

Before her marriage into the royal family, Princess Diana held modest jobs including nanny and nursery assistant roles. She lived simply in London at the time and developed a deep affinity for charitable work and children’s causes long before becoming widely known as the “People’s Princess.”

Jack Brooksbank

Jack Brooksbank, married to Princess Eugenie, has roots in the hospitality industry and has worked in bars and nightlife. He has taken on brand ambassador roles and is involved in the wine trade, balancing his entrepreneurial activities with family life and support for his wife’s public roles.

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, husband of Princess Beatrice, runs a property development firm that focuses on luxury homes and restorations. His business operates within high-end real estate markets and undertakes projects for discerning clients in London and abroad, providing a significant private income stream for the family.

Mike Tindall

Mike Tindall, a former England rugby captain and Zara Tindall’s husband, transitioned into media and public speaking after his playing career. He appears on television shows, hosts podcasts, and does corporate speaking engagements—activities that contribute to the household income while keeping him in the public eye.

James Middleton

James Middleton, though not a royal, is closely connected to the family and has pursued entrepreneurship. He launched a novelty gifting business and later founded a pet-focused company, applying his entrepreneurial experience to build commercial ventures in consumer goods and pet nutrition.