The Royal Family Cost U.K. Taxpayers Over $120 Million Last Year, While Meghan and Harry Remain Financially Independent
It's all in the numbers.
Each tax year, the Royal Family releases a financial report known as the Sovereign Grant Report, which details their total taxpayer-funded expenditures.
The report for 2021-22 was released on June 29, and contains information on—among other things—travel costs incurred by various royals in the year ending March 31.
It has been widely noted that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not listed as having benefited from any U.K. tax funds at all. In fact, the only mentions of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the entire 129-page report relate to their British base of Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, for which they pay private rent. They also reimbursed taxpayers for refurbishments to the home totaling £2.4 million ($2.9 million USD at today's exchange rate) in September 2020.
A source close to the royals said the Sussexes "should be congratulated on achieving their goal" of earning millions of their own private money (via Express). These earnings come from a number of ventures, including a deal with Netflix, one with Spotify, Prince Harry's upcoming memoir with Penguin Random House, and his role as chief impact officer for startup BetterUp.
Reports have been circulating that imply the Sussexes have only just become financially independent; however, they were reported to have been standing on their own two feet as early as September 2020, which coincides with their repayment on Frogmore.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Royal Family as a whole incurred £102.4 million (roughly $124 million) in expenditures, which include travel, payroll and staff costs, property maintenance, utilities, housekeeping and more.
Notably, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's controversial tour of the Caribbean cost £226,383 ($273,288) in charter flights alone. Beyond the cost of the trip, many commentators found it problematic because of the Royal Family's historical connection to slavery, colonialism and racism. The Cambridges have since expressed their regret over that painful history.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Prince Andrew's "Anxiety is Through the Roof " Amid Royal Lodge Battle
The royal "is generally very lost," a source claims.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Nicole Kidman Addresses the Popular Meme Referencing Her Divorce From Tom Cruise
"That wasn't real life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kim Kardashian Got the New Tesla Robot Before Anyone Else and Showed Off Its Dance Moves
"meet my new friend."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Makes Surprise Appearance at Major Sporting Event—And Shares What Position He'd Play in Football
The Duke of Sussex promoted his upcoming Invictus Games.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle's $6,050 Pendant Pays Tribute to Her "Angels" Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
The engraved necklace features an adorable reference to the Duchess of Sussex's children.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Camilla Has Helped King Charles "Loosen Up," But He Appears "Tense" Without Her
"He was quite a nervous man... Camilla has been a catalyst for change."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
King Charles Might Change Some of Queen Elizabeth's Christmas Rituals as He's Less Traditional
"I don't think Charles will exactly rip up the rule book, but there's a strong chance he'll loosen some of the rules."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Diana's Former Chauffeur Reflects on Her Death for the First Time After Being Fired
"She died believing I had betrayed her and that's something I can't ever forget or forgive."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Spends Time With Pat Tillman's Widow During Surprise Appearance at Tillman Honors Gala
The Duke of Sussex was honored with the Pat Tillman Award For Service at the ESPYs earlier this year.
By Danielle Campoamor Last updated
-
Prince Harry Says He Understands "The Weight Of Losing a Parent" in Moving Letter to Grieving Military Children
"Yet, in the midst of that heartache, we find strength in the love and memories left behind."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Speak Out Against Online Violence During New Joint Appearance
"Young people are calling for help. Families are desperately seeking support."
By Kristin Contino Published