Graham Smith told Express.co.uk that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex should disclose the amount of rent they are paying to keep Frogmore Cottage despite being based in the United States. Republic is an organisation that campaigns for the Queen to be replaced by an elected, democratic head of state and the abolishment of the monarchy.
Mr Smith said: “Frogmore does not belong to the Royal Family it belongs to the Crown Estate.
“So, Meghan and Harry should never have been allowed to have that home and they should have paid for the renovations up front.
“They were done to their specifications and so that they could live there.
“Ok so they have now paid for it, they have said they have done so because they can now afford it.
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“They could have always afforded it, so their excuses are a bit rich.
“They are apparently still going to have use of that house, exclusive use of that house.
“So, we need to know what rent they are paying and why the Crown Estate allows them to retain that property when they are not living in it.”
During the same interview the Republic CEO warned the Duke and Duchess of Sussex against using a royal loophole to get back the £2.4million they repaid for Frogmore Cottage refurbishments.
“This property should be being used by the Crown Estate to raise money for the Treasury.
“But it has not been doing that, it has been providing a home for Harry and Meghan.”
Mr Smith continued: “I think it would be pretty appalling if they turn around and say we won’t use it therefore can we have our money back.
“I think that would go down very badly.”
