It can be difficult to navigate through interpersonal relationships when things get muddy. For instance, if your father is also your former boss, landlord, and current king. Such is the case for the British royal family. Prince Harry and King Charles’ strained relationship is complex and wears many hats.
The Daily Mail recently reported that despite previous reports to the contrary, Harry and Meghan’s payment of £2.4 million refunding the taxpayers for refurbishments on Frogmore Cottage also served as their rent. It was considered "rent in lieu" and was a good deal for the Sussexes, saving them up to £690,000.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a contribution of £2.4 million to the Sovereign Grant which covered the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage. They have fulfilled their financial obligations in relation to the property. In line with usual practice for the Sovereign Grant report, the accounting treatment was scrutinised and signed off by the National Audit Office and the Treasury. As with any such agreement between landlord and tenant, further details regarding the Sussexes' tenancy arrangements would be a private matter," a palace spokesperson explained.
Not everyone was happy with this new revelation. “It is outrageous that Harry and Meghan should be able to live in a huge house on these terms while regular people struggle to put food on the table,” said Norman Baker, a former cabinet minister and Privy Council member.
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In 2019, Frogmore Cottage was announced as the Sussexes' official residence. When Harry and Meghan decided to step back form senior royal duties, the palace announced that they would pay rent and reimburse the Sovereign Grant for the refurbishment. In March 2020, a palace spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that Meghan and Harry would pay a “commercial rate” for rent. Turns out a deal was struck behind the scenes that was not publicly announced and was hard to discern on paper. The deal released the Sussexes of their rental obligation because of their £2.4 million payment. Someone wanted to keep it quiet.
