The Duke and the Duchess of Sussex were reportedly “delighted” to share their UK base with Prince Harry’s cousin, who is now expecting a baby with her husband, Jack Brooksbank. But the couple, who moved to the United States at the beginning of the year, remain the legal owners of the royal cottage.
However, although could ask Eugenie to pay rent for staying at the Windsor home, they could take care of all of the property’s costs with their earnings from a multi-millionaire deal they have signed with streaming platform Netflix.
The major contract could see the couple earn up to $250million (£190million).
However, the contact means the Sussexes must comply with the company’s policies and remain neutral about the Crown, the show inspired by the Royal Family that sparked backlash recently over its fictional events.
The new episodes portray Prince Charles and Diana’s relationship, including some controversial scenes regarding their crises as a couple.
Royal commentator Russell Myers spoke to talkRADIO about the huge sum the Sussexes will likely get for their services to the platform.
Mr Myers said: “It’s funny how once you’re in bed with them to the tune of £100million, I think it’s astronomical the sum, then they can’t really go shooting their mouth off to their paymasters.
“They have actually remained silent on this.”
He added: “I can’t imagine the rest of the Royal Family are too pleased about it.
“We know some of them have watched it in the past but I think they will be steering clear or watching it behind the sofa for this season.
“No one comes off well in it at all.”
So the couple, who stepped down as senior royals at the beginning of the year in a bid to become financially independent, would be able to financially help Harry’s cousin with the costs of the 17th-century English country house.
They already faced a £2.4million repayment for the renovation of the estate in September after the details of their Netflix contract emerged and they subsequently faced calls to pay British taxpayers back.
Last September, a spokesman for the couple said: “A contribution has been made to the Sovereign Grant by the Duke of Sussex.
“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 UK residence of the Duke and his family.”
Harry and Meghan faced pressure from MPs to repay the cash after they quit royal duties and moved to Los Angeles.
Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, said the British public should know whether the couple are paying rent for the cottage.
