Harry and Meghan's much-publicised move to California in 2020, framed as a bid for privacy, freedom and financial independence away from royal duties, has ended with the couple returning to the UK after a Hollywood run that ultimately fizzled out. Despite initial star power that secured lucrative deals with major entertainment companies, their ventures failed to sustain momentum, and the announcement of their departure has been met largely with indifference in California and mockery from some US media outlets.

The couple settled in the celebrity enclave of Montecito, signing a Spotify podcast deal reportedly worth up to $25m, which produced Meghan's Archetypes series before the partnership ended in 2023. Their Netflix deal, signed in 2020 and estimated at $60m-$100m over five years, has since been replaced by a smaller arrangement amid a wider entertainment industry downturn, while their production company reportedly saw high staff turnover. Harry found more consistent commercial success individually, particularly through his bestselling memoir Spare, which centred on his own royal story rather than Hollywood projects.