Royal accounts show almost $4.4 million (£2.4 million) of taxpayer money was spent renovating Frogmore Cottage for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
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In a new report, the Palace said major work was needed to turn the house – which is in the grounds of Windsor Castle – from five separate cottages into a single home for Harry and Meghan, and their new baby Archie.
Buckingham Palace said Frogmore Cottage was in very poor shape and needed ceilings and floors replacing, extensive rewiring, and the installation of gas and water mains – but there’s no mention of a yoga studio.
With taxpayer-funded spending on the royals a sensitive topic, the Palace made it clear in the Sovereign Grant Report the couple themselves paid for anything other than basic fixtures and fittings, such as furnishings and interior design.
The Sovereign Grant – which paid for the reno – covers the cost of royal official duties and is also for the upkeep of royal palaces, and comes from taxpayer funds.
While speculation was rife around Meghan’s diva demands during the renovations, the report gives some clear details around what was carried out at the property.
“The scheme consisted of the reconfiguration and full refurbishment of five residential units in poor condition to create the official residence for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their family,” the report states.
And the Queen’s Treasurer, Sir Michael Stevens – the Keeper of the Privy Purse – further explained to reporters that “the building was returned to a single residence, and outdated infrastructure was replaced to guarantee the long-term future of the property. Substantially all fixtures and fittings were paid for by their royal highnesses.”
Newlyweds Meghan and Harry moved into the royal residence in April, before welcoming baby Archie Harrison on May 6.
Sources close to the couple told The Daily Mail that reports of a yoga studio or “floating floors” at Frogmore Cottage were incorrect.
“Frogmore Cottage is a Grade II-listed building, the official and only residence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It is not their country residence, it is their only residence,” the source explained to The Daily Mail.
“Other senior working members of the Royal Family have official residences which are paid for by the sovereign grant to enable them to carry out their royal duties.
“There’s no wing for Doria, no yoga studio. It’s a fairly cosy family home,” the source told the publication.
According to the report, the total Sovereign Grant for 2018-19, amounted to £82.2m (2017-18 £76.1m), equivalent to £1.24 ($2.27) per person in the UK.
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