Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. However, they also faced criticism over the taxpayer-funded renovation of a place. However, sources reveal that their independent life has been quite challenging. This has come to light amid the renewed scrutiny. Stay with us to find out more
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Finances Under Spotlight!
Questions are being raised about the royal finances as the House of Windsor prepares for a major audit examining property arrangements linked to the royals. The review will scrutinise how Crown Estates are given on lease to royal members. This has led to a debate over the financial support received by the members.
Meanwhile, the royal fans know that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. The Sussex couple became financially independent and lost access to public funding. However, their decision to step back is back in the limelight amid the audit.
Though attention has been focused mostly on the senior royals living within the institution, sources close to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle opened up about the pair’s life to The Mirror. The insiders revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced a challenging life. They don’t have access to sovereign Grant or multiple homes maintained at public expense, whether through rent-free arrangements or nominal rents. However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a self-funded life.
Royal Audit Looms!
The sources also said that the working members of the royal family should be held at the same level of scrutiny as other publicly funded institutions. Meanwhile the debate has reignited the controversies surrounding the Sussexes.
They faced criticism over the taxpayer funded renovation of Frogmore Cottage. They later repaid £2.4 million for refurbishment and also paid rent. However sources claim that repayment was always the part of their plan. In 2023, it was confirmed that all the obligations were settled. They had already decided to repay before the pressure.
However, now the attention has been shifted to other royals, including the Royal Lodge, earlier occupied by Prince Andrew, and Bagshot Park by Prince Edward. Some of these properties were leased on heavily discounted rates, which has led to calls for transparency. Duncan Larcombe shared that the public attitudes towards the royals have changed significantly in recent years. Earlier, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were criticised.
Furthermore, Prince William and Kate are paying full market rent. Thus, William and Kate’s approach is being seen as staying aligned with public sentiment. However, the debate raises questions between the monarchy, the Crown Estate and public finances. Thus, the public is divided on who should pay for the royal residence. The upcoming audit will answer the questions. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more royal updates.