Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once prominent members of the British royal family, are facing significant financial woes. According to sources close to the couple, they have amassed a staggering £480,000 in debt after their departure from royal duties and move to California.
The couple's financial situation marks a stark contrast to their previous privileged life within the monarchy. Losing their royal privileges, which included access to substantial royal funds, has left them struggling to uphold their lavish lifestyle. Compounding their troubles, they no longer have a permanent residence in the UK after leaving Frogmore Cottage.
A source intimately connected with the couple revealed, "Harry and Meghan are in real trouble. Their debt is mounting, and they are facing challenges in finding ways to settle it." The couple had hoped for financial assistance from King Charles III, but their appeals have been met with refusal.
The majority of their financial burden, around $480,000, stems from ongoing expenses related to Frogmore Cottage. Originally gifted to them by Queen Elizabeth II, the property underwent extensive renovations costing £2.4 million, funded by the Sovereign Grant. However, upon their departure, they were required to repay these expenses, leading to their current financial predicament.
"Maintaining Frogmore Cottage involved substantial costs, from staff salaries to utility bills," explained our source. "Despite repaying the renovation costs, they continue to accumulate debt."
In addition to their mounting debt, the couple faces potential security costs of £1 million for an upcoming visit to the UK in September. Despite stepping back from official royal duties, they remain entitled to taxpayer-funded security while in Britain, which poses a further financial strain.
"Harry has been trying desperately to reach out to his father for assistance," the source disclosed. "But King Charles has made it clear that they must resolve their financial challenges independently."
The strained relationship between father and son has been exacerbated by Harry and Meghan's public criticisms of the royal family, including allegations of racism and lack of support. These issues have damaged their standing within the institution, further complicating their financial predicament.
"Charles is understandably upset with Harry and Meghan," our source added. "He believes they have brought unnecessary drama and embarrassment to the family. Using taxpayer money to aid them is not something he supports."
With King Charles unwilling to offer financial aid, Harry and Meghan find themselves scrambling to manage their debts while sustaining their lifestyle. Their deals with Netflix and Spotify have provided some financial stability, but criticisms have arisen regarding their output.
"They have secured lucrative deals, but questions linger about the value they deliver," our source commented. "Their spending exceeds their earnings, deepening their financial woes."
Their upcoming visit to the UK for the first time since the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations adds uncertainty, particularly due to the substantial security costs involved.
"They are eager to return to the UK, but their debts loom large," the source emphasized. "They hope for public sympathy and perhaps governmental intervention, but prospects seem uncertain."
As Harry and Meghan navigate these financial challenges, their future remains uncertain. Once celebrated as the fresh faces of the monarchy, they now find themselves on the outskirts, their royal ambitions seemingly shattered by personal choices and a lack of support from their former institution.
"They are in a tough spot," our source concluded. "They have alienated many and are now facing the consequences. It serves as a cautionary tale for anyone challenging the crown's power and privilege."
