Source claims Sussexes' independent lifestyle removes burden from taxpayers as royal finances face renewed examination
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to build an independent life away from the monarchy has come under renewed discussion as the Royal Family prepares to face fresh scrutiny over its finances.
According to reports, royal financial assets are expected to be examined later this summer, prompting debate about public funding and accountability. Amid the discussion, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's self-funded lifestyle has been highlighted as a key difference from working members of the Royal Family.
A source told the Mirror that the couple no longer receives support from the Sovereign Grant and does not benefit from publicly maintained residences or rent-free living arrangements.
"They no longer have a Sovereign Grant to support them, nor access to multiple homes maintained at public expense, whether through rent-free arrangements or nominal rents," the insider said.
The source added that Harry and Meghan now fund their own lifestyle entirely, arguing that their financial independence means taxpayers do not bear any responsibility for supporting them.
The insider also maintained that scrutiny of royal finances is justified, saying working members of the Royal Family should be subject to the same level of examination as any publicly funded institution.
Addressing the couple's repayment of renovation costs for Frogmore Cottage, the source claimed Harry and Meghan had always intended to return the money after deciding to step back from royal duties.
"Harry and Meghan always believed that repaying the money for Frogmore was the right thing to do," the source said, adding that repayment had already been included in their plans before leaving the institution.
