Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have pledged to become ‘financially independent’ – but critics say this is a fallacy while they demand taxpayer-funded security, travel, accommodation and £2.3million each year from his father’s royal estate.
The plan has been called ‘ill thought through’ because by keeping their titles, royal duties and lavish lifestyle they will continue to drain public funds – even if they move to California or Canada.
The couple have launched a new website, registered in March 2019 and developed secretly in Toronto, and it announced their desire to achieve ‘financial independence’ – but critics have branded this impossible.
Prince Charles’ £1.2billion Duchy of Cornwall estate pays Harry around £2.3million-a-year and last night the Sussexes claimed this covers 95 per cent of their office expenditure.
But in the same statement they declared they no longer need any of £82million-a-year Sovereign Grant – the money taxpayers give to the Queen to fund her family – claiming it covers the remaining five per cent.
Based on his father’s seven-figure donation, the Sovereign Grant portion would amount to £100,000, significantly less than the £2million Harry and Meghan have been estimated allocated by Her Majesty.
Prince Charles privately owns the Duchy of Cornwall estate – but it is considered a public asset because it has been gifted to the heir to the throne by every British monarch since 1337. Its special royal status also gives Charles an exemption from corporation tax and capital gains tax – but he voluntarily pays around £4.8million in annual income tax.
MailOnline can reveal that taxpayers will still be paying for some of Harry and Meghan’s other costs going forward, including:
- Their team of Met police royal protection officers – estimated at between £600,000 and £1million a-year;
- Travel costs when carrying out royal duties, which were £130,000 in 2018/19;
- Remaining refurbishment scheduled at their Frogmore Cottage home. It has already cost £2.4million but could reach £3million over five years;
Harry and Meghan have several multiple strands of income and significant personal wealth but while they have quit as frontline royals they will still receive large amounts of cash from the taxpayer including travel, security and from Prince Charles’ royal estate
Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex visit to Canada House on Tuesday before their announcement that they would be ‘stepping back’ from the royal family physically and financially
The largest part of Harry’s annual income comes predominantly from his father.
Prince Charles gave his sons £4.9million via his private £1.2billion Duchy of Cornwall estate in the past year, which many regard as a public asset.
Harry is estimated to receive £2.3million-a-year from his father – slightly less than his brother William – and Charles now faces a big decision about whether to keep supporting the couple financially, reduce that payment or cut it off completely after last night’s bombshell.
And when he becomes king, the Duchy will be inherited by Prince William as heir to the throne, meaning he will also have the final say on whether to reduce or even end Harry’s largest royal income.
Harry and Meghan say they will still ‘proudly’ carry out official overseas visits in support of the Queen, which are also covered by the Sovereign Grant. In the last financial year they claimed £130,000 for travel costs, including £80,000 alone for their trip to Australia, New Zealand and Pacific islands such as Tonga and Fiji at the end of 2018.
And they are also demanding to keep their publicly-funded private protection officers costing up to £1million-a-year and paid for by the Home Office.
Their new website makes great play of the fact they are giving up the money from the Sovereign Grant – but it is likely some of that cash will still go to them.
This is because this £82million pot of money is also used to pay for Harry and Meghan’s official royal travel.
And if they spend much of the year criss-crossing the Atlantic to carry out duties and support UK charities these costs will likely increase as they pay for first class flights for them and their team of staff, including private secretary and nanny for Archie.
The couple have also dodged whether they will shun the gigantic annual payments from his father.
The couple also admit that they will need security for the rest of their lives.
Currently Harry, Meghan and Archie are understood to have up to six permanent Metropolitan Police bodyguards protecting the, 24/7, all funded by the taxpayer.
The officers are estimated to earn more than £100,000 a year including overtime – with the bill claimed to be around £600,000 annually. With expenses incluing
This is paid directly by the Home Office who are presented with a bill by Scotland Yard.
If they move to Canada security officers would be Canadian, and therefore funded by Canadian taxpayers – meaning they will have personal protection officers on both sides of the Atlantic.
The couple will keep Frogmore Cottage (above) that was gifted to them by the Queen – £2.4million from the Sovereign Grant – but with work still pencilled in over the next five years costs could reach £3million
They posted a brand new web page which detailed all of the changes which would now take place – but they admit that because of their royal titles they will require taxpayer-funded protection wherever they live
Harry and Meghan even produced this graphic showing how the royals are funded – but experts have questioned how Harry and Meghan can say for sure they won’t use the Sovereign Grant
While in Britain they will also continue to use Frogmore Cottage as a base – the homes in the grounds of Windsor Castle gifted to them by the Queen.
There was outcry last year when it emerged that it was renovated at a cost of £2.4million from the Sovereign Grant – but there is still work to be done with the last estimate being up to £3million.
Last year royal sources ceiling beams and floor joists were being replaced and there was electrical rewiring needed, as well new gas and water mains in the grounds.
And repainting the outside of the cottage and landscaping the grounds are also said to be outstanding as ‘part of a five-year repainting and repair programme’ – meaning the taxpayer probably still has costs to pick up.
The couple will need to strike lucrative commercial deals to maintain the lavish lifestyle to which they are comfortably accustomed, especially as Meghan has no income anymore and Harry’s only salary was around £35,000 in the Army.
The Duke is said to be worth around £30million after inheriting from his mother Diana and the Queen Mother – but some of this is said to be tied up in trust funds until he is 40 and other investments.
Until now Harry and Meghan have been ‘prohibited from earning any income in any form’ – as they pointed out last night in a lengthy statement on their official website.
The couple issued a declaration that they were looking forward to ‘becoming financially independent’.
Defending their new status, they stressed: ‘There is precedent for this structure and it applies to other current members of the Royal Family who support the monarch and also have full-time jobs external to their commitment to the monarchy.’
Charles paid £4.9million to his sons from his Duchy income last year, of which slightly less than half is believed to have gone to Harry.
They added: ‘The remaining 5 per cent of funding for the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, covering costs associated with employing members of their official office, is received through the Sovereign Grant.’
The couple stressed that ‘wherever possible and unless advised otherwise on security grounds’, they travel using ‘commercial carriers, local trains and fuel-efficient vehicles’.
Harry’s other wealth comes from his estimated £20million inheritance from his mother Princess Diana. He also banked around £7million from his great-grandmother the Queen Mother, who paid it into a trust fund in 1994.
Playing paralegal Rachel Zane, she starred in over 100 episodes, which put her annual pay at an estimated £333,000
Meghan’s net worth of around £4million came from having earned around £37,000 per episode as an actress in the US drama Suits.
Playing paralegal Rachel Zane, she starred in over 100 episodes, which put her annual pay at an estimated £333,000. She also appeared in several films, including romantic comedies and Horrible Bosses, where she had a 30-second cameo as a delivery girl.
Her role in the 2010 film Remember Me reportedly earned her £140,000, while she was paid £130,0000 for The Candidate in the same year. By keeping their royal titles – and given their high profiles on both sides of the Atlantic – Harry and Meghan are likely to be offered many lucrative engagements.
The world’s top speakers can command up to half a million dollars (£380,000) for a single after-dinner speech. They may also be able to make money from merchandise. In the past few weeks, the couple have trademarked their Sussex royal brand on more than 100 items, from T-shirts, books and magazines to teaching materials and emotional support groups.
They submitted trademark applications for textbooks, footwear, headgear, coats, jackets – and even pyjamas. The couple have already managed to amass fortunes, estimated at £30million for Harry, and £4million for Meghan.
Before marrying Harry, Meghan earned £61,000 a year running her lifestyle blog The Tig, which focused on food, travel, fashion and health and made the most of her celebrity endorsement deals.
She had to shut it down when she announced she was Harry’s girlfriend. If it is now reactivated, it could make her far more money.
But the road ahead is fraught with danger if past royal commercial ventures are anything to go by. Images of the Duchess of York infamously counting bundles of cash in a News of the World sting were hard to shake off. Prince Edward once tried to combine royal duties with running a television production company, before it flopped.
And his wife Sophie Wessex was also caught by the News of the World uttering indiscretions when touting herself as a PR consultant. The costs of Harry and Meghan’s lifestyle are high and likely to rise.
They employ a private secretary, who can earn up to £146,000, and a nanny for their son Archie who would also command a six-figure salary. London ‘supernannies’ who work for the capital’s richest and most powerful families earn an average of £104,000, according to industry sources.
At Frogmore Cottage in Windsor they have a housekeeper – but no chef because Meghan loves cooking – two personal assistants and two palace orderlies probably earning between £20,000 and £30,000 each. The couple came under scrutiny in 2019 for their use of private jets when they travelled together. The trips were privately funded by the couple.
They also visited family friend Sir Elton John’s holiday home, but the musician revealed he had paid for the cost of the flight himself and donated to a carbon- offsetting charity.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle want to STAY at Frogmore Cottage after taxpayer-funded £2.4m renovation (but could have to pay RENT) and they want to KEEP £650k-a-year security
Despite stepping back as frontline royals, Harry and Meghan have decided to keep Frogmore Cottage.
The public paid £2.4million to fund a renovation of the Grade II-listed property near Windsor Castle. And the couple announced last night they wanted to keep it so they would have ‘a place to call home in the United Kingdom’.
The phrasing raised the prospect that their main home will come to be regarded as being elsewhere, perhaps Canada.
It was decided taxpayers would help Harry and Meghan pay for Frogmore after the newlyweds eschewed their home in the grounds of Kensington Palace, wanting a place of their own.
Last night sources told The Times newspaper that the couple could be forced to pay rent to the Queen, who had previously gifted them the property.
Last night, a statement on the official Royal Sussex website said: ‘The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to use Frogmore Cottage – with the permission of Her Majesty The Queen’
Royal accounts show £2.4million of taxpayer money has been ploughed into renovating five-bedroomed Frogmore Cottage.
The major work included replacing defective ceiling beams and floor joists, and updating outmoded heating systems.
But the couple are also thought to have installed a luxury kitchen and bathroom in the building. Officials have been keen to downplay suggestions that this was an example of royal profligacy.
Last night, a statement on the official Royal Sussex website said: ‘Frogmore Cottage will continue to be the property of Her Majesty the Queen.
‘The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to use Frogmore Cottage – with the permission of Her Majesty The Queen – as their official residence as they continue to support the monarchy, and so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom.’
When the enormous public cost of fixing up Frogmore was first revealed, the couple faced criticism from some quarters.
Even fans of the royals were scathing about the costs, especially as Harry and Meghan ‘could have moved next door’ to a grand apartment within Kensington Palace if they had needed more space.
But amid reports of a rift with Prince William and Kate, the ‘substantial overhaul’ of Frogmore Cottage – a gift to the couple from the Queen – was approved by Her Majesty. The final bill is expected to top £3million.
One critic, Graham Smith, from the campaign group Republic, compared the renovation bill to a charity’s funding of a centre for military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), saying: ‘A charity spent £2.4million on a support centre for marines suffering PTSD.
‘The taxpayers then spent the same amount on a luxury private home for Harry and Meghan.’
Harry and Meghan’s MEGA millions: Experts reveal the couple could earn a fortune with TV shows, books, brand deals, and more after quitting the royal family – and even stand to outdo the Obamas’ huge $65M book advance
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have vowed to become ‘financially independent’ when they step down as senior members of the royal family, but the two shouldn’t have much trouble making money.
The couple has an estimated £34million [$45 million] private fortune to fund their new life, but they have the opportunity to make even more through various projects. If famous political couples like the Obamas and Clintons are any indication, the two can easily procure a fortune through profitable book deals, speaking engagements, and, in Meghan’s case, fashion partnerships.
In fact, experts say that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have the potential to rake in tens of millions of dollars annually, particularly if they choose to follow in Barack and Michelle’s very lucrative footsteps with public speaking opportunities, books, and TV deals.
Surprise: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced on Wednesday that they are stepping down as senior members of the royal family and will become ‘financially independent’
In the money: Experts say Harry and Meghan have the potential to rake in tens of millions of dollars annually, particularly if they follow in the footsteps of the Obamas
‘Their earning power — both individually and as a couple — is limitless in all aspects of endorsements,’ Ronn Torossian, CEO of New York-based PR firm 5W Public Relations, told DailyMail.com.
‘Whether appearances, brand partnerships or more, they could make eight or nine figures annually with endorsement deals.’
Ronn said it ‘wouldn’t be surprising’ if the couple started looking at options to make money in North America, where they will be staying when they’re not in the United Kingdom.
‘With the level of name recognition both of them have, brands will no doubt be tripping over themselves to offer Meghan and Harry partnerships, endorsement deals, positions as brand ambassadors, and more,’ he explained.
‘The sky is the limit for the two of them in terms of earning potential in North America.’
A branding and social media expert, who asked to remain anonymous, believes that Harry and Meghan will follow in Barack and Michelle’s footsteps by setting up a charitable foundation, producing documentaries for a streaming service, and teaming up with Spotify to create podcasts.
‘I think you’re looking at a Michelle and Barack situation,’ the expert said. ‘They will definitely follow the Michelle and Barack model, and it will definitely work for them because people are incredibly thirsty for those royals.’
Harry and Meghan certainly have plenty of A-list friends who are as business savvy as they are famous to help them transition into their new lives — and make plenty of money along the way.
The couple has relationships with both the Obamas and the Clintons, with Harry being particularly close with Barack and Michelle.
Last year, Meghan secretly invited Hillary Clinton to Frogmore Cottage, her Windsor home, to meet her son, Archie.
Oprah Winfrey recently teamed up with Harry to create a mental health docu-series after attending his wedding to Meghan in 2018.
The media mogul can easily set them up with interviews, as can her best friend Gayle King. The CBS News anchor was one of the many famous faces who attended Meghan’s New York baby shower last year.
Meanwhile, Meghan’s close friend Jessica Mulroney works for Good Morning America as a style consultant.
The opportunities are seemingly endless for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have connections with people from all walks of life.
They also have the resources to hire professionals to help them navigate their careers as they move away from their royal duties.
In September, it was revealed Meghan hired a top crisis PR firm that once represented Harvey Weinstein in a bid to improve her public image.
In a significant break from royal protocol, the former actress brought in the New York-based firm Sunshine Sachs behind the back of Buckingham Palace’s own advisers.
Sunshine Sachs is among the U.S.’s most prominent crisis management firms, but it has been accused of employing ‘dark arts’ tactics to improve the image of its clients.
Goals: Barack and Michelle Obama scored a reported $65 million advance as part of their joint book deal, and it’s possible the royals can bring in even more
Deals: Bill Clinton was given a hefty $15 million advance for his 2004 autobiography, My Life, while his wife, Hillary, got an estimated $14 million for her 2014 memoir Hard Choices
BOOK DEALS
If Prince Harry and Meghan choose to write memoirs about their lives, they will likely start a bidding war between publishing houses and procure eight-figure advances.
Fans would love to read about their vastly different childhoods and how their lives became entwined when they were brought together through a mutual friend.
Their love story is one for the ages, and while they have shared bits and pieces about their courtship, people are still clamoring for more information about the highs and lows of their romance.
Success: Michelle’s memoir, Becoming, has sold more than 10 million copies
In 2017, the Obamas scored a joint book deal at Penguin Random House worth a reported $65 million — an unprecedented amount for a presidential memoir.
While Barack’s upcoming book has yet to be released, Michelle’s autobiography, Becoming, sold 1.4 million copies in the first week and went on to become the best-selling book in the U.S. in 2018.
As of March 2019, it sold more than 10 million copies and was on track to become the best-selling memoir of all time.
Prior to Barack and Michelle’s record-breaking deal, Bill Clinton was given a hefty $15 million advance for his 2004 autobiography, My Life.
He has written four books since leaving the White House in 2001. Most recently, he published his first best-selling novel, The President is Missing, which he co-wrote with superstar author James Patterson.
His wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has written numerous books as well. She earned a reported $8 million dollar advance for her 2003 memoir, Living History, and a believed $14 million for her 2014 follow-up, Hard Choices.
If Harry and Meghan aren’t willing to get personal, there are other options.
Hillary and her daughter Chelsea recently co-wrote and published The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience, which features portraits of female role models who inspire them.
Now that they’re parents, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may want to follow in Chelsea’s footsteps and write children’s books focusing on topics they’re passionate about.
Potential: It’s possible Harry and Meghan will start their own production company like the Obamas and start producing their own documentaries and podcasts
In the game: Harry has already teamed up with Oprah to create a multi-part documentary series about mental health that will air on the Apple TV platform this year
TV AND STREAMING DEALS
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are both activists in their own right, so it’s not hard to imagine them getting into film and television production to raise awareness for the causes that are important to them.
Harry has already teamed up with Oprah to create a multi-part documentary series about mental health that will air on the Apple TV platform this year.
Millions of viewers tuned in to watch them open up about the struggles they’ve faced as a couple in their emotional 2019 documentary, Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, a testament to their built-in fan base.
It’s possible they’ll take a cue from the Obamas and start their own production company to pitch their passion projects.
It was announced in 2018 that Barack and Michelle had signed a multi-year deal to produce movies, series, and documentaries for Netflix through their production company, Higher Ground.
It’s unclear how much the former president and first lady made off the deal, but those who have signed onto similar agreements are set to make millions.
Shonda Rhimes, who created Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, signed a five-year deal with Netflix in 2017 that is estimated to be worth $150 million.
The following year, American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy reportedly scored up to $300 million when he inked his own five-year deal with the streaming giant.
Taking the mic: The Obamas and Clintons command six-figure fees for speaking engagements, and experts believe Meghan and Harry can easily do the same
At the podium: Meghan has a passion for using her voice to promote awareness for the causes near and dear to heart. She’s pictured at the launch of her charity clothing line in September
PUBLIC SPEAKING
The U.S.’s former presidents and first ladies are taking home millions of dollars from their public appearances, so why can’t royals?
Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush have all made a pretty penny from their six-figure speaking fees over the years.
After leaving the White House, Barack started commanding a reported $400,000 per speaking engagement, while his wife, Michelle, has been said to make $200,000.
George W. takes in $100,000 to $175,000 per appearance, Politico reported in 2015, noting that he has done at least 200 paid speeches since he left office.
And according to CNN analysis, Bill and Hillary have earned more than $153 million in paid speeches from 2001 until the former secretary of state launched her 2016 presidential campaign.
Jeff Jacobson, co-founder of the Talent Bureau speaking agency, says the couple would get at least $100,000 per appearance, and Harry could get up $500,000.
He told Bloomberg: ‘I would imagine they are going to start having these conversations ASAP, if they haven’t already. I suspect they will both get on the circuit, and it will be one of Harry’s primary revenue streams.’
And it won’t just be one-off appearances that Meghan and Harry can earn money from; if, as experts predict, the two choose to follow the Obamas’ lead and sign a book deal, they could go on to rake in a fortune from a subsequent book tour – as former FLOTUS Michelle recently did.
When Michelle launched her book tour back in 2018, the costs of tickets shocked some fans, with prices ranging from $29.95 for general admission to $3,000 for a VIP package which included a front row seat, a photo with Mrs. Obama and a signed book.
Fashionable philanthropy: Last year, Meghan helped create a capsule collection to benefit Smart Works, a charity that provides clothes and coaching to unemployed women
Walking advertisement: Catbird, the jewelry brand behind Meghan’s favorite thin, stackable gold ring revealed 20,000 people have snapped up the band since she was seen wearing it
FASHION AND BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
When it comes to fashion, Meghan has the magic touch. Whatever the actress-turned-royal wears sells out almost immediately, making her any brand’s dream partner.
The Duchess of Sussex has many friends in the fashion industry, including tennis star Serena Williams and designer Misha Nonoo, who both have their own clothing lines.
Meghan’s close pal Jessica Mulroney also happens to be a famous stylist who has been credited with helping indie Canadian fashion brands get their start.
Jessica can easily help her connect with brands, though the royal likely doesn’t need the help.
Editorial: The Duchess of Sussex guest-edited the September issue of British Vogue in 2019
Last year, Meghan guest-edited British Vogue, and she is said to be close with the magazine’s editor-in-chief Edward Enninful as well as American Vogue’s Anna Wintour.
The Duchess of Sussex combined her love of fashion and philanthropy in 2019 to launch a capsule clothing line to benefit Smart Works, a charity that provides clothes and coaching to unemployed women.
The collection was created in partnership with Misha, the clothing brand Jigsaw, and the department stores Marks & Spencer and John Lewis. For each item that was purchased, one was donated to the charity.
And if she so chooses, Meghan could also revive her lifestyle blog, The Tig, which she launched in 2014 and used to share her favorite things with her fans.
She abruptly shut down the site in April 2017, taking down all the posts she had shared over the previous three years. Meghan and Harry’s engagement was announced in November 2017.
However, Meghan recently filed documents in the U.S. aiming to keep the rights to the blog’s name until 2021.
A palace spokesperson made it clear that the lasting trademark is to ‘prevent false branding, but she could always have a change of heart.
Mystery project: Philanthropy is a large part of Harry and Meghan’s lives, and they revealed they will be launching a new ‘new charitable entity’
Going their own way: Though they likely won’t make money from their charitable endeavors, the new venture will certainly help them carve out their new identities
CHARITIES
Philanthropy is a large part of Harry and Meghan’s lives, and in their statement announcing their decision to step down from senior royal duties, they said they will be launching a ‘new charitable entity.’
The couple didn’t share any additional details about the upcoming venture, but they may take inspiration from the Obamas, Bushes, and Clintons, who all have their own charitable foundations in the U.S.
Though they likely won’t make money from their charitable endeavors, the new venture will certainly help them carve out their new identities as they move away from the British monarchy.
Last year, Harry and Meghan walked away from the Royal Foundation, their formerly joint charity with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to start their own charitable organization called Sussex Royal.
It’s unclear what will happen with the foundation now that they are no longer going to be working as senior royals and they have yet to clarify their plans for the organization.
Canadians say they’ll welcome Harry and Meghan with open arms (as long as they don’t have to pay for their security) – but PM Justin Trudeau stays unusually silent
Canadians say they will welcome Prince Harry and wife Meghan with open arms should they choose to relocate to Canada after quitting the Royal Family – as long as they don’t have to pay their security costs.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed on Wednesday they planned to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America after stepping back from senior roles in Britain’s Royal Family.
It sparked immediate speculation the couple had their sights set on Canada after just returning from a six-week vacation in Vancouver with their son Archie.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has remained unusually silent following Harry and Meghan’s announcement.
He recently wished them a ‘quiet and blessed’ stay in the country during their vacation and said they were ‘among friends and always welcome here’.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed on Wednesday they planned to now split their time between the United Kingdom and North America after stepping back from senior roles in Britain’s Royal Family
Every day Canadians were overwhelmingly supportive about the country potentially becoming Harry and Meghan’s new home – as long as they didn’t have to fork out the costs for their tight security.
‘As long as we Canadians do not have to pay for Meghan and Harry’s security costs, I don’t really care about the rest,’ one person tweeted.
Another tweeted: ‘My hope is that Meghan and Harry decided to go the ‘no drama’ route of raising their child in a more peaceful, less-public environment. Canada welcomes them and we will very much respect their privacy.’
‘Dear Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Canada loves you. We don’t have the Orange Cheeto. You were happy at Christmas. Canada is waiting with open arms to welcome you back,’ another tweet said, referring to President Trump.
‘Certainly we here in Canada will welcome them as we always have.’
One person urged the couple to move to Montreal where privacy laws were stricter: ‘Welcome to Canada. Come to Montreal where paparazzi cannot take pics of you and publish them.’
Jessica Mulroney (left), 40, the Canadian stylist, posted a message on her social media in support of best friend Meghan Markle (right)
‘A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink,’ the quote read. The phrase was said to have been uttered by Gina Carey, an American filmmaker and gospel singer
The couple have not revealed where in North America they plan to make a second home but they cited their baby as a reason why they decided to live part of their time outside Britain.
The couple have close ties to Canada with California-native Meghan describing it as her ‘second home’ after the UK.
Meghan lived in Toronto for six years while filming Suits and it is the city where they enjoyed a secret five-month courtship before their relationship was revealed to the world in October 2016.
They just spent Christmas in Vancouver with their eight-month-old son Archie. The couple spent six-weeks in a $14 million waterfront mansion on Vancouver Island.
The message about the couple’s plans also appeared on their official Instagram feed, along with a link to a website, sussexroyal.com, where followers could find more information.
Meghan and Harry enlisted a Toronto-based media company to help create that brand new website.
The couple have close ties to Canada with California-native Meghan describing it as her ‘second home’ after the UK. They are pictured above together in Toronto in 2016
Meghan lived in Toronto for six years while filming Suits and it is the city where they enjoyed a secret five month courtship before their relationship was revealed to the world in October 2016
They just spent Christmas in Vancouver with their eight-month-old son Archie. The couple spent six-weeks in a $14 million waterfront mansion on Vancouver Island
The website elaborated on why they are seeking financial independence from the monarchy’s funding mechanism, known as the Sovereign Grant.
A page on the site states the grant they are forsaking covers just 5 percent of the costs for the duke and duchess and is used for their official office expenses.
Meghan and Harry ‘value the ability to earn a professional income, which in the current structure they are prohibited from doing,’ the website states.
‘Their Royal Highnesses feel this new approach will enable them to continue to carry out their duties for Her Majesty the Queen, while having the future financial autonomy to work externally.
Harry and Meghan also detailed that they would still have armed security even after stepping down from senior roles.
‘The provision of armed security by The Metropolitan Police is mandated by the Home Office, a ministerial department of Her Majesty’s Government, responsible for security and law & order. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are classified as internationally protected people which mandates this level of security,’ the couple wrote.