Harry and Meghan's Frogmore Cottage eviction is 'just the start' of slimmed-down monarchy, sources say
It seems that King Charles is implementing a series of financial reforms within the royal family. These changes include ending the practice of providing discounted rent for Crown properties to distant relatives, and requiring working royals to pay for their own homes by 2028.
Furthermore, it appears that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were evicted from Frogmore Cottage as part of this financial overhaul. Additionally, Prince Andrew reportedly pays a reduced rent for his 30-room Royal Lodge mansion, and it is possible that he may be affected by the changes to the royal family's finances.
It remains to be seen how these reforms will affect the royal family in the long term, but it appears that King Charles is taking steps to streamline the monarchy's finances and reduce unnecessary expenses.
His Majesty is said to view the eviction of Harry and Meghan from Frogmore Cottage as 'just the start' of his plans to slim down the monarchy |
Famously the Sussexes enjoyed a grace-and-favour British home in the grounds of Windsor Castle |
It appears that Vice-Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt and Sir Michael Stevens are leading the effort to find savings within the royal household, with Camilla overseeing the process. The aim is to ensure that the royal household is run more efficiently and effectively, rather than simply making cuts.
It seems that this financial overhaul is not limited to discounted rents for distant relatives, but also includes ending the practice of providing subsidised apartments for royals as London pads unless they pay commercial rates. King Charles has been taking steps to review how money is spent since taking control of the Duchy of Lancaster fund, and has reportedly told non-working royals to tighten their belts.
It is clear that King Charles is committed to creating a slimmed-down monarchy that is more responsive to the public's expectations. However, there are some who believe that the reforms may not go far enough.
Harry and Meghan losing Frogmore (pictured) is just the 'tip of the iceberg', a source claimed |
Norman Baker, a former MP and expert on royal finances, has stated that the monarchy is bloated and more expensive than other European monarchies and that it is right for the institution to slim down. However, he believes that the proposed changes are superficial, and the real test will be whether the monarchy's call upon public funds goes down and whether Charles and William start paying tax properly. Baker suggests that Charles could start by agreeing to pay inheritance tax on the private possessions left to him by the Queen.
Harry and Meghan recently adopted royal titles for their children, which had previously been withheld, causing speculation that the couple was concerned about a "plot" to downgrade their security. The couple has been asked to vacate their UK home, Frogmore Cottage, a move sanctioned by King Charles, further weakening their ties with the Windsors.
It is clear that tensions between the royal family and Harry and Meghan remain high. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops in the coming months and whether King Charles's reforms will have a significant impact on the monarchy's finances.
Regarding the King's coronation in May, it is reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not officially confirmed their attendance, and the decision is still under consideration. The staff is making preparations for the possibility that the couple and their children may attend. Some people believe that their presence would be inappropriate given their past attacks on the Royal Family, while others feel that it would be right for the King to have all his family present on such a historic day.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew's financial situation and housing arrangements have been in the news recently. The Duke of York reportedly faces being 'evicted' from his £30million Windsor home, Royal Lodge, as his annual grant is reduced, and he claims he cannot afford the upkeep. However, sources have stressed that the King will not leave his brother homeless or penniless, and that he will continue to support him despite the allegations against him.
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