CHEQUED OUT
Prince Charles ‘threatens to cut off Harry and Meghan’s £2m-a-year funding’ if they ditch royal duties
PRINCE Charles could put a stop to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's £2million-a-year money if they ditch royal duties entirely.
The Sussexes are currently funded in part by the Prince of Wales, and their bombshell announcement to quit as senior royals made it clear they wanted that to continue.
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But Charles will not simply write the couple a blank cheque if the deals of their split aren't to his liking,
It is understood Charles is adamant any funds agreement will be decided once their future roles are ironed out.
Harry and Meghan announced they will be "financially independent" in their new lives, but still want money from Prince Charles' Dutchy of Cornwall Estate.
Prince Harry reportedly defied instructions from the Queen not to announce their plans, after she requested he hold off until he talked it over with his father.
What we know so far:
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have quit as senior royals
- They defied The Queen's order not to make their bombshell announcement this week, it is claimed
- The royals were locked in crisis talks today over the revelation
- Prince William and Prince Charles only received a copy of the Sussexes statement ten minutes before it went online
- They want to be 'financially independent' but will still support the Queen
And Prince Charles told his son he needed more time after he was sent a draft proposal about his future role, particularly on the issue of funding.
But it was revealed the Queen reportedly learned she had been ignored when the news broke on TV, and Charles and William only got a statement copy ten minutes before it went live.
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" as the new website was suddenly launched.
CRISIS TALKS
Harry and Meghan will lose out on £2million a year from the royal purse as they move away from the UK and shun the Sovereign Grant.
This means they would be able to work and take money from endorsements, with speculation growing the Duchess could return to acting.
But British taxpayers could still front the £600,000 security bill for the family despite their bombshell pledge tonight to be "financially independent";.
They also get about another £2million annually from Prince Charles' Duchy Of Lancaster estate - which may not continue if Charles chooses to cut off his son.
The Sussexes also hope to keep their Frogmore Cottage home, which was refurbished last year at a cost of £2.4million to the taxpayer.
Her Majesty today led a crunch meeting of the four households as she dialled in from Sandringham, Charles from Scotland, William on the phone in London and Harry speaking from home in Windsor.
Meanwhile Meghan has flown back to Canada after leaving Archie behind for the pair's bombshell royal exit announcement, a source revealed.
The Queen is crushed by this. She knew that they wanted some kind of change and she was trying to accommodate them.
Royal source
Having been in the UK for only three days, Meghan, 38, will rejoin Archie in Vancouver, and is expected to stay there for the foreseeable future.
A source revealed: "The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Cambridge have directed their teams to work together at pace with Governments and The Sussex Household to find workable solutions."
They added: "[It's] expected to take days not weeks."
Sixth in line to the throne Harry and Meghan spoke to the Queen and senior royals over Christmas about their wish for a new role.
A royal source said: “The Queen is crushed by this. She knew that they wanted some kind of change and she was trying to accommodate them.
“Discussions started before Christmas and there was willingness to help. Their statement on Wednesday, put out without anyone’s knowledge, was devastating.
“Why couldn’t all this have been sorted out properly behind closed doors?"
SUSSEXES OUT
The Duke and Duchess said in their surprise statement yesterday evening: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.
"We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.
"It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.
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"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.
"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.
"We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”
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