Since leaving their royal duties behind earlier this year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced their fair share criticism.
One of which being how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex handled their roles with the royal family regarding their Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage.
The couple ordered major renovations on the property after moving there from Kensington Palace, to the tune of approximately AUD $4.2 million in British taxpayers’ money. And since their royal exit in March, many have called out the couple for not repaying the money they spent updating the home, which is no longer their main residence since their move to the United States.
However, a spokesperson has come forward to confirm that Prince Harry has paid back the full amount of the public money spent on the renovations.
Announced on her Twitter, Royal correspondent Rebecca English shared the news on September 8, saying:
Omid Scobie, author of Finding Freedom, announced that a royal source had confirmed that the money was paid back voluntarily.
Speaking to Harper’s BAZAAR U.S., a representative for the couple announced: “This contribution, as originally offered by Prince Harry, has fully covered the necessary renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage, a property of Her Majesty The Queen, and will remain the U.K. residence of The Duke and his family.”
Buckingham Palace have also confirmed that the amount was repaid in full to the Sovereign Grant, the British government and tax-payer supported purse that funds the royal family and their endeavours.
“There was never any expectation or request from the Royal Family or the Crown Estate to repay this but they have felt it was important to do so and this is why they proactively offered to repay as soon as the move was announced,” the source said.
And while paying the money back in instalments was certainly an option, the source admits that Harry was eager to repay the money in full.
The news comes just days after Harry and Meghan announced that they’ve signed a deal with Netflix, reportedly worth approximantely AUD $137 million.
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