Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are getting advice on their future outside the royal family from Barack and Michelle Obama, according to a report by the Daily Mail.

A source told the newspaper that the couple, also called the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, admire the way the Obamas have made money since leaving office but still enjoy a lot of popularity.

The duke and duchess this week made an unexpected announcement that they would step back from their duties as senior royals and spend much of their time in North America.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly getting advice from Barack and Michelle Obama, with a view to modeling their future trajectory on them.

The royal couple, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have discussed their plans for life outside the royal family with the Obamas, according to the Daily Mail.

Sources told the newspaper that the Sussexes admire how the Obamas built a successful life outside the White House, retained their popularity, and still make money.

The royal couple made the surprising announcement this week that they will step back as senior members of the royal family and take a different path. It is not yet clear exactly what that will involve.

Since Barack Obama left office, he and Michelle have launched a charity, both written autobiographies, and signed a deal with Netflix to produce documentaries and films.

One of the Mail's sources said of the Obamas: 'They have found huge commercial success without actually looking like they are getting their hands dirty, to put it bluntly, and retaining their popularity."

The Obamas and the Sussexes have had a friendly relationship for years. Harry and Barack bonded over Harry's Invictus Games athletics tournament for wounded soldiers. He also interviewed him for a BBC radio special.

The Duchess also showed admiration for Michelle Obama when she interviewed the former First Lady for British Vogue. She described Michelle as "a globally respected public figure," who is "easy to feel connected to."