Harry and Meghan do not understand the financial consequences of ‘going it alone’, royal officials have briefed.
The couple currently receive a substantial income and have their costs covered by the sovereign grant, which ultimately comes from the Crown Estate, although they claim that this accounts for only 5% of their costs.
They also receive £2.5m a year from the Duchy of Cornwall, and an additional sum from the Duchy of Lancaster.
Whether or not the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be allowed to stay at Frogmore Cottage and whether they will have to pay rent has also proven to be a bone of contention. Apparently the couple’s assumption that they would be allowed to keep the grace-and-favour home, the renovation of which last year cost the taxpayer £2.4m, as a UK base had not been approved by the Queen.
If Harry and Meghan do step away from public duties, they are likely to be charged rent on the property, which would be round £60,000 pa.
