
- According to a "forensic audit," Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have cost the British public as much as $53 million in their two years as working royals.
- The claim comes from Norman Baker, a British politician and author with a history of being critical of the royal family.
- In a piece for the Daily Mail, Baker broke down where the millions he claims Harry and Meghan cost Brits went.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal exit has been controversial to say the least. Now, a British politician is claiming that it might have cost the British people more than heartache—to the tune of more than $50 million.
Norman Baker, a former Liberal Democrat for East Sussex and author of … And What Do You Do? (which, for the record is a book that's definitely critical of the royal family, so he's not an unbiased judge by any means) is speaking out about a forensic audit he says points to just how much the Sussex family have cost British taxpayers.
"From their wedding day to March 31 this year, I estimate the British taxpayer has forked out more than £44 million ($53 million) to provide Harry and Meghan with, it seems, whatever they want," Baker wrote in the Daily Mail.
Baker went on to breakdown the biggest places that money went, estimating that it was spent as follows:
Renovations to Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace: £1.4 million (about $1.7 million)
When Harry and Meghan first wed, they lived in Nottingham Cottage, a Victorian house on the grounds of Kensington Palace. They were originally set to move from the cottage to Apartment 1 in the palace. The 21-room apartment was much larger than Nottingham Cottage, which had been Harry's bachelor pad before settling down.
In what is assumed to be preparation for Harry and Meghan's move-in, Apartment 1 underwent extensive renovations, including roof repairs and replacement windows, which Baker says probably would not have been done if Harry and Meghan weren't expected to move in. The total price tag: An estimated £1.4 million (or roughly $1.7 million).
Renovations to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor: £2.4 million (about $2.9 million)
Baker also pointed to the renovations made to Harry and Meghan's Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, in his figures. While the renovations, which he estimates coming in at £2.4 million (about $2.9 million), were extensive, Harry and Meghan committed to repaying these costs as part of their royal exit plan announced earlier this year.
Staff salaries for their two years as working royals: £592,000 (about $720,000)
This one doesn't quite feel fair, but it's a significant part of Baker's calculations so we'll include it. He estimates that Harry and Meghan's staff cost about £592,000 (a little more than $720,000) to employ during their two years as working royals. Of course, since Harry and Meghan were working royals and needed a staff to support that work (as do all working royals), it doesn't seem fair to hold this figure against them.
According to Baker, some of the top-earning members of the Sussexes' royal staff included a private secretary (paid an estimated £146,000 per year) as well as an assistant private secretary, a communications secretary, and an assistant communications secretary (all of whom could have commanded as much as £150,000 per year, apparently).
Security costs: £7 million ($8.5 million)
It's no secret that security is one of the most expensive parts of the royal family's budget, and Harry and Meghan were no exception to this rule.
Baker estimates that the Sussexes' security costs from Frogmore Cottage (where they stayed less than a year in all) probably cost about £4.5 million, while their other security costs during their two years as working royals likely totaled around £2.5 million. He describes these figures as a "conservative estimate" of what it probably cost to keep the couple safe.
The royal wedding: £33.5 million ($40.7 million)
The biggest line on the Sussexes' royal bill would definitely the cost of their 2018 royal wedding, which was a full-on event broadcast around the world.
Baker estimates the total cost of the affair to be £33.5 million (about $40,7 million), including £30 million for security at the event, £90,000 for new silver trumpets, and £390,000 for Meghan's wedding gown. He claims the royals only contribute £2 million to the costs, meaning the taxpayers picked up about 94 percent of the tab.
Other costs in the calculation:
- Loss of tax income from money Prince Charles spent on the Sussexes' expenses: £1.9 million
- Travel costs: £1 million
Again, Baker's stance on royal spending is pretty well-established (he's against it), so he's predisposed to be critical here and might not be an unbiased reporter of the data. Take this information with a grain of salt—but, if you're interested in royal budgetary issues, you can find an even more detailed breakdown from Baker at the Daily Mail.
It's also worth noting that, regardless of how much Harry and Meghan may have cost taxpayers, the couple has already begun the process of paying back at least some of that debt—specifically the costs associated with their renovations of Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.
Meghan Markle's Most Iconic Fashion Moments
March 9, 2020
Meghan and Prince Harry attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey with all of the royal family. Meghan is wearing a custom Emilia Wickstead dress and carrying a Gabriela Hearst Demi bag; she's also wearing Birks earrings and Aquazzura heels.
March 8, 2020
The Duchess of Sussex visits the Robert Clack School for International Women's Day. Meghan is wearing a ME+EM jacket, a Cuyana T-shirt, a Rejina Pyo bag, and Jennifer Chamandi pumps.
March 7, 2020
Meghan arrives with Prince Harry at the Mountbatten Music Festival. She is wearing a Safiyaa dress, Simone Rocha earrings, and a Manolo Blahnik clutch.
March 5, 2020
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive to the Endeavour Fund Awards. The Duchess of Sussex is wearing a blue tonal look in a Victoria Beckham pencil dress, Manolo Blahnik pumps, a Jessica McCormack bracelet, and a Stella McCartney clutch.
January 7, 2020
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive at Canada House in London for their first 2020 appearance. She is seen wearing a Reiss Coat, Massimo Dutti turtleneck and skirt, and Jimmy Choo Romy pumps.
November 9, 2019
Meghan steps out in a bespoke Erdem dress, her favorite Aquazzura heels, and Jessica McCormack earrings, for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
November 7, 2019
The Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. She wore a Sentaler coat, a Phillip Treacy hat, Tamara Mellon boots, and Dents gloves.
October 25, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a panel discussion on gender equality with The Queen's Commonwealth Trust. Meghan is wearing a monochromatic look in a Joseph sweater, a Hugo Boss leather skirt, Sarah Flint pumps, and Emily Mortimer stud earrings.
October 22, 2019
Meghan Markle arrives to the One Young World Summit in an Aritzia dress paired with Manolo Blahnik pumps.
October 15, 2019
Meghan Markle recycles her engagement dress to WellChild Awards, a charity for seriously ill children and their families. She pairs her P.A.R.O.S.H. dress with a Sentaler coat and Montunas bag.
October 2, 2019
For a South African engagement to visit the Youth Employment Services in South Africa, the Duchess of Sussex steps out in Hannah Lavery shirt dress, Madewell earrings, and Stuart Weitzman pumps.
September 30, 2019
Meghan Markle steps out during a visit to Monwabisi Beach with Prince Harry. She paired her Madewell denim jacket with Brother Vellies Huarache sandals.
September 25, 2019
During the royal tour in South African, Meghan wore an Everlane black jumpsuit and Gas Bijoux gold statement earrings.
September 25, 2019
Meghan and Archie step out for Archie's first royal engagement during the tour in South Africa. She wore a Club Monaco dress and a pair of Jennifer Meyer turquoise earrings.
September 24, 2019
Meghan chose a Staud dress, Cuyana scarf and Sam Edelman flats for the visit at Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day with Prince Harry.
September 23, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit District 6 Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. Meghan wore a Veronica Beard blue button-down dress and Castañer espadrilles.
September 12, 2019
The Duchess Of Sussex attends the launch of the Smart Works Capsule Collection, while wearing a Misha Nonoo button-down and wearing butterfly earrings and a cuff that once belonged to Princess Diana.
July 14, 2019
The Duke and Duchess walk the red carpet for the Lion King premiere in London. Meghan wears a Jason Wu dress and Nikos Koulis earrings with a Gucci clutch.
July 13, 2019
The Duchess of Sussex enjoys Wimbledon in her Le Specs sunglasses and Jennifer Meyer earrings.
July 4, 2019
Meghan Markle attends Wimbledon to watch her friend Serena Williams. She wore her L'Agence blazer and Finlay sunglasses, and a delicate necklace with an A for Archie.
June 8, 2019
Meghan Markle steps out for her first royal appearance since giving birth. She attends the 2019 Trooping the Colour with Prince Harry in a Givenchy dress and hat by Noelle Stewart.