So what are we to make of the revelations that Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex have lavished not far short of £2.5 million of public money – our money – on renovating Frogmore Cottage?
The charitable response is that it is the inevitable but necessary cost of ensuring the safety of this hugely popular royal couple and that of their son.
Those of a less charitable disposition will wonder if this is not another example of the Sussexes’ insouciance for public relations and an instinct for extravagance that sits awkwardly with their attempt to position themselves as modern, forward-looking and in touch with how ordinary people live.
The newlyweds moved out of Kensington Palace this spring amid reports of a rift with his brother William and sister-in-law Kate. They have now spent £2.4million of public money doing up their Windsor home. Pictured: revealing Baby Archie to the world in May at Windsor Castle
It is certainly uncomfortable timing.
Reports at the weekend suggested that over the past 18 months, Meghan had amassed a jewellery collection that has been valued at £600,000. And no one yet has dared put a figure on her constantly changing wardrobe of high-end couture.
Danger signs were already there, ever since the duchess’s £350,000, five-day baby shower extravaganza to New York. But that was a private affair and did not involve British taxpayers’ cash.
The refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage is of an entirely different nature.
The major work included replacing defective ceiling beams and floor joists, and updating outmoded heating systems.
It also needed rewiring, with its own electrical sub-station, while new gas and water mains were installed. The couple are also thought to have installed a luxury kitchen and bathroom in the Grade II listed building. Naturally, officials were keen to downplay suggestions that this was an example of royal profligacy.
The overhaul of Frogmore Cottage (pictured) was approved by the Queen, according to accounts released yesterday
‘The property had not been the subject of work for some years and had already been earmarked for renovation in line with our responsibility to maintain the condition of the occupied royal palaces estate,’ was the response of Sir Michael Stevens, the Keeper of the Privy Purse who is responsible for the monarchy’s finances.
Indeed, we were also told the house’s fixtures and fittings were ‘substantially’ paid for by the couple – which means the bills have been met by Harry’s father, the Prince of Wales.
With an estimated fortune of £20 million inherited from his mother’s estate and trust funds from the Queen Mother, Harry could, of course, afford to pay for the renovation himself.
Indeed, we were also told the house’s fixtures and fittings were ‘substantially’ paid for by the couple – which means the bills have been met by Harry’s father, the Prince of Wales
There is nothing to prevent him from doing so, though it could lead to legal complications. For Frogmore Cottage is owned by the Crown Estates and it is in the gift of the Queen. Custom and practice is that royal properties occupied by a member of the Royal Family are maintained by Sovereign Grant, in other words the taxpayer.
No one begrudges Harry and Meghan having their own home and it is part of the compact between the Royal Family and the public that, within reason, we pay for that home.
All the same, when public services are under such pressure and household budgets squeezed, that compact seems more relevant than ever. In return for their entitled lives, royals should give something back. The question is: are Meghan and Harry keeping their side of the bargain?
For Frogmore Cottage is owned by the Crown Estates and it is in the gift of the Queen. Custom and practice is that royal properties occupied by a member of the Royal Family are maintained by Sovereign Grant, in other words the taxpayer
Their reluctance to
