Royal audit to review deals as Harry, Meghan go independent

The financial independence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle presents new challenges as the British Royal Family prepares for a formal audit of its property arrangements this summer. Individuals close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have described their life since stepping back from royal duties as "undoubtedly more challenging" in some respects, citing the loss of public funding and subsidized housing.

The couple no longer receives support from the Sovereign Grant nor has access to multiple homes maintained at public expense through rent-free arrangements or nominal rents, according to sources. These individuals stress that Harry and Meghan now lead an independent and entirely self-funded life, contrasting it with the financial structures of the working Royal Family, which they believe should be subject to the same scrutiny as any other public institution.

This scrutiny is set to intensify with an upcoming review by the Public Accounts Committee. The audit will examine the Crown Estate's property portfolios and arrangements that allow royal family members to lease extensive properties at rates significantly below market value. This follows years of criticism over the Royal...