The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shocked the world when they announced they were stepping down as senior members of the Royal Family last year. The couple has since relocated to California with their son, Archie, and welcomed a daughter, Lilibet Diana.

       However, despite Harry and Meghan stepping down, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's charity, the Royal Foundation, has gone "from strength to strength".

       Royal expert Daniela Elser wrote in the New Zealand Herald: "In 2021, royal work is pursued with the professionalism and vigour of any corporate outfit and in recent years, the Cambridges' Royal Foundation has only gone from strength to strength, including financially.

       "However, something very curious has emerged about the Foundation's fortunes: They made ￡9.4 million more in the year after Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, left."

       The charity was set up in 2009 by William and Harry to act as an umbrella body to look after their various philanthropic interests.

       When they both married, their partners came on board with the charity.

       Ms Elser said when Harry and Meghan were involved in the foundation, it raised $12.3 million (￡8.93 million).

       However, following their departure, the "figure skyrocketed and nearly double to $21.7 million (￡15.75 million)".

       Ms Elser continued: "Like a contemporary Aesop's fable, the Cambridges have emerged as a dynamic, money-making and philanthropic tour de force."

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