Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Cost Brits $53M, Left Windsor With A ‘Damaged Reputation’

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reportedly cost the Brits a whopping $53 million during their two-year stay in the palace.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex only served as working royals together for two years. However, they had a very lavish lifestyle when they were still under the Firm.

According to former minister Norman Baker, based on forensic audit, the royal couple spent more or less $50 million while they were with the royals.

“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 disclosed via Daily Mail.

He also gave a break down of the couple’s expenses. According to him, Prince Harry and Markle spent $1.7 million for the Nottingham Cottage renovation, $2.9 million for the Frogmore Cottage renovation, and $729,000 for the staff salaries for two years. Their royal wedding cost $40.7 million, and they paid $8.5 million for their security.

Other expenses include their expensive trips using private jets and accommodations during their travels.

He also added that aside from the large expenses, the couple damaged the Windsor House due to their other expenses.

“The Sussexes' long goodbye has cost the House of Windsor much in damaged reputation,” Baker wrote.

Earlier this year, Prince Harry and Markle announced that they were stepping back as senior members of the royal family. The pair also announced that they will be working to be financially independent.

However, some questioned the degree of the couple’s independence and freedom. According to Daniela Elser, royal correspondent of news.com.au, Prince Harry and Markle found new sources to depend on after leaving the royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex “have gone from relying on the royal family to relying on their Hollywood pals,” Elser wrote.

Meanwhile, royal author Tom Queen claimed that Prince Harry’s life could be worse in America than what Markle endured in the U.K because he is not as tough as his wife. He described Prince William’s younger brother as a “lost soul.”