Meghan Markle Spotted Driving for the First Time Since 2020 Amid Financial Rumors

In a surprising turn of events, Meghan Markle was recently spotted behind the wheel of her luxurious black Range Rover, marking her first public driving appearance since January 2020.

The Duchess of Sussex, now 42, was seen navigating the roads of California while her husband, Prince Harry, made a solo trip to the UK.

This visit was significant as it coincided with the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, a moment Harry chose to honor before heading off to Germany.

Photos obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com show Meghan driving near their lavish Montecito residence, valued at a staggering $14.65 million.

Interestingly, she was also just a short distance away from a Malibu property reportedly on their radar, priced at around $18 million.

It's worth noting that her vehicle was missing a front license plate, which has raised eyebrows among observers.

According to sources, Meghan has a longstanding connection with the Hertz car rental director, dating back to when she and her family attended an awards ceremony in New York City.

The CEO of Hertz confirmed that the Range Rover belonged to the dealership and complied with Meghan's request to remove the license plate to avoid it being recognized as a rental.

In California, rental cars often have easily identifiable plates, making this an interesting choice.

During her outing, Meghan was notably without a driver or bodyguard, which sparked further speculation about her current situation.

She was accompanied by her mother, Doria, hinting at a more personal outing rather than a heavily guarded public appearance.

This casual drive comes amidst swirling rumors about the couple's financial struggles, suggesting they may be facing significant monetary challenges.

Recent reports indicate that Meghan and Harry are on the brink of financial instability, grappling with substantial debts.

In a revealing interview with The Cut, Meghan mentioned her independence in driving, contrasting with previous instances where Harry was seen behind the wheel.

The couple's lavish lifestyle, including their extravagant home purchase, has come under scrutiny, raising questions about their fiscal responsibility.

Their decision to buy a multimillion-dollar home without fully considering the financial implications has been criticized.

Meghan's comments during the interview suggested a focus on the home's exterior rather than its interior, leading some to describe their choices as impulsive.

This fixation on appearances aligns with broader perceptions of their public personas.

Owning such a large property comes with hefty financial burdens, including maintenance and upkeep costs that could soar to around $700,000 annually.

Concerns have been raised that they may not be managing these expenses adequately, potentially leading to deterioration of the property.

As they navigate their financial landscape, it appears they are struggling to maintain their lifestyle.

The couple's financial woes are compounded by underwhelming earnings from their high-profile deals with Spotify and Netflix.

Reports suggest they may not receive the full $20 million from Spotify, alongside a less lucrative Netflix deal than anticipated.

This precarious financial situation has led to speculation about their spending habits and the sustainability of their lifestyle.

On a different note, the timing of Meghan's car sighting has drawn criticism, especially given its proximity to the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death.

Some commentators argue that this was a calculated move to divert attention from Prince William and Catherine, who were also in the spotlight during this time.

Meghan's actions have been labeled as opportunistic, particularly in light of her complicated history with the royal family.

The decision by Daily Mail to publish exclusive images of Meghan on such a poignant day raises ethical questions.

Critics argue that the media should have refrained from highlighting Meghan's activities, especially considering her past behavior towards the late Queen.

Many feel that this incident exemplifies Meghan's tendency to seek the limelight, even at the expense of respecting significant moments in royal history.

As the saga unfolds, it remains to be seen how Meghan and Harry will navigate their challenges.

Their pursuit of fame and fortune continues to intertwine with their personal lives, leading to a complex narrative that captures public interest.