How Charles will STILL pay 95% of Meghan Markle and Harry’s costs despite their ‘financial independence’ boast
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry will still rake £2million-a-year from Charles - despite pledging to be "financially independent".
The couple, who have quit the Royal family, will have 95 per cent of their brand-Sussex costs paid for by Harry's dad through the Duchy of Cornwall.
Harry and Meghan announced yesterday they will stepping down from their royal duties - meaning they will lose £2million-a-year from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant.
By dropping their senior roles, they are likely to lose the cash, which they said last night covers five per cent of their office costs.
The remaining 95 per cent is given as a gift by Prince Charles through his private Duchy of Cornwall estate and amounts to around £2million-a-year.
Meghan and Harry said on their new Sussex Royal website they are planning to become financially independent as they "value the ability to earn a professional income", which they not currently allowed to do.
QUESTIONS OVER 'INDEPENDENCE'
But eyebrows have been raised over how independent the couple will be as they still continue to enjoy perks that only come with being a royal.
Meghan and Harry will continue to live at Frogmore Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle, which saw a £2.4million taxpayer-funded refurbishment carried out last year.
The Grade II listed, four-bedroom home is owned by the Queen - with the pair having to seek permission to use the house while they split their time between the UK and North America.
Despite stepping down from the royal family, the couple will still be awarded security at the hands of the taxpayer.
TAXPAYER STILL FORKING OUT
As they are deemed "internationally protected people" by the Home Office, they require constant armed security from the Metropolitan Police.
Meghan and Harry announced this arrangement would continue - with an estimated £600,000 bill for their six police bodyguards charged to the British taxpayer.
The environment-conscious pair revealed they would be travelling on commercial flights, trains and fuel-efficient vehicles for private and official travel "unless advised otherwise on security grounds".
But they said they would continue to "proudly carry out official overseas visits" in support of the Queen and at the request of the Foreign Office.
Royal tours are paid for by the Sovereign Grant - meaning Harry and Meghan will still be entitled to handouts if representing the family abroad.
ROYAL SPLIT
Their situation differs from Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, who both have royal titles and a job.
They don't earn any money from a foundation carrying their names and do not ask for any donations to fund them and their work.
But Harry and Meghan have the Sussex Royal foundation under their titles - meaning it can make them money.
The couple's decision has sparked outrage - with Prince Charles "incandescent with rage" and the Queen said to be "disappointed".
The Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William reportedly learned of Harry and Meghan's decision when the news broke on TV.
A statement was released yesterday evening, apparently without the knowledge of other members of the family after they "plotted in secret".
And even the Sussexes' own aides were said to be stunned as they had been kept in the dark - and felt "stabbed in the back".
It came after The Sun revealed they were due to discuss plans to move abroad after a successful six-week trial holiday in Canada over Christmas and the New Year.
Friends of the couple in Canada and the US are supportive of the move, which they say comes after the couple have been sidelined by the monarchy.
Pals argued it has become clear to the couple that the monarchy is moving towards a future focused on Prince Charles and Prince William.