Harry and Meghan Markle recently bought their first home together in Santa Barbara, California. The mansion was purchased for a whopping £11million, although the couple took out a £7million mortgage to help them cover the costs. Insiders initially claimed Prince Charles offered financial assistance to help the pair secure the property.
A source said: “Charles had been keen to help out and put his hand in his own pocket to assist. He is devoted to both his sons and any time he can assist them he always will.”
However, another insider said Harry “chose not to” ask Charles for a contribution towards the house because he did not want the royals to have “control over him” — Clarence House declined to comment.
Even so, the Sussexes’ monthly mortgage payment is estimated by the Daily Mail to be $53,000 (£40,000) with property taxes amounting to $90,000 (£68,000), with running costs on top.
Harry will continue to receive £2million from Charles for the next year, which is understood to be going towards their staggering security bill, estimated to cost £4million annually.
The couple are also still repaying the £2.4million taxpayers’ forked out for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage.
With this in mind, the Sussexes’ new house has left some royal watchers wondering if such an expensive property was required.
The complaints Princess Eugenie received in the run-up to her royal wedding can be compared to the frustrations the public now feel towards Harry and Meghan’s costs.
Journalist Dani Beckett argued on GMB in 2018 that using £2million of taxpayer’s money for Princess Eugenie’s wedding security was not right, as she is not a working royal.
In response, GMB host Susannah Reid pointed out that some people were irked that Eugenie was having a “big, showy wedding” in the same place and manner as Prince Harry, who got married just five months earlier.
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Royal commentator Katie Nicholl also compared Harry and Eugenie’s situation in March this year.
She said: “What happened with Beatrice and Eugenie was problematic as well because their father wanted them to have a role within the Royal Family where they are representing the Queen.
“Eugenie and Beatrice wanted to help granny but they also wanted to have jobs.
“Of course then you are in a sticky situation, again it’s half in half out.”
This is the position Harry and Meghan initially sought within the Firm, but the Queen said it was not possible.
Ms Nicholl continued: “It was Charles who swept in and said much to Andrew’s annoyance they have got to go and make it on their own.
“Beatrice and Eugenie were very happy to do that and it is working but you still see that knockback effect.”
Speaking to True Royalty TV, Ms Nicholl added: “So when we are picking up the bill as taxpayers for the security costs for Eugenie’s wedding, people were asking, why because she is not a full time royal.”
