Republic is an organisation that campaigns for the abolishment of the monarchy and for Queen Elizabeth II to be replaced by an elected, democratic head of state. Graham Smith, Republic’s CEO, told Express.co.uk that Frogmore Cottage should be used by the Crown Estate to raise money for the Treasury rather than the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s UK base.
Regarding Harry and Meghan using a royal loophole to claim back the money they paid to the Sovereign Grant to cover the costs of the refurbishment of the building, Mr Smith said: “I think that would go down very badly with the general public.
“They may argue that the Crown Estate is getting the house back and they ought to pay for the refurbishment, but that refurbishment was done for Meghan and Harry to their specifications.
“They have got the money to pay for it.
“This property should be being used by the Crown Estate to raise money for the treasury.
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“But it has not been doing that, it has been providing a home for Harry and Meghan.”
He added: “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.”
Last week during the Royally Obsessed podcast, royal experts Roberta Fiorito and Rachel Bowie discussed the loophole that could allow Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to get the money that was spent on Frogmore Cottage back if they ever decide to give up ownership of the listed building.
“So, whenever they do give that house back and say we no longer need a house in the UK they get the £2.4million.”
Ms Fiorito asked: “That is crazy. So, will they stay there when they go back home?
Ms Bowie replied: “Yes, I think they will stay there when they go back home and that is the plan.
“That is why they repaid it, so they would have a permanent place to stay when they go back.”
