'This idea that they are going to be financially independent is a fantasy,' said Graham Smith, who leads the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic.
"Some part of the year they will be working for the queen, some part they won't," Kate Williams, a royal historian and a professor at Reading University in England,Others feel that the semi-royal, semi-private existence that the Sussexes want is incompatible with the duties and political neutrality expected from the monarchy.Daniel Leal-Olivas / AFP - Getty Images
But this only accounts for 5 percent of the Sussexes' official expenditure. They will keep receiving the other 95 percent, which is financed by another sprawling estate, the Duchy of Cornwall, run by Harry's father, Prince Charles. Harry and Meghan's continued reliance on this calls into question the claim on their website that they"do not receive any tax privileges."
However skeptics point out that the palaces and the jewels would still attract foreign visitors even if the monarchy itself were abolished or scaled back. The Palace of Versailles attracts hordes of tourists to France despite its last royal occupant, King Louis XVI, having his head chopped off more than two centuries ago.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The British Press Is Losing Its Mind Over Harry and MeghanIt’s clear that many British tabloids’ sympathies lie with Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the Windsors.
Read more »
Queen Elizabeth calls family meeting about Prince Harry, Meghan: British mediaBritain's Queen Elizabeth has called a family meeting for Monday to discuss...
Read more »
Meghan returns to Canada as British royals seek to solve Harry riftMeghan, the wife of Prince Harry, has gone back to Canada to be with their son a...
Read more »
Everyone who will take part in Sandringham Prince Harry and Meghan Markle crisis talksMeghan Markle and Prince Harry's future roles within the royal family will be discussed on Monday in a crisis meeting at Sandringham, where the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William are set to all attend
Read more »
ITV to air 'crisis' documentary on Prince Harry and Meghan since stepping downThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced this week that they will be 'stepping down' from their Royal duties
Read more »
Meghan Markle reunited with baby Archie in Canada as Prince Harry remains in the UKThe Duchess of Sussex returned to Canada to be reunited with baby Archie on Thursday
Read more »