How much home renovations really cost Harry, Meghan
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lost a staggering fortune when they left England to start a new life in the US.
According to Hello!, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's UK residence, Frogmore Cottage, underwent extensive renovations – costing a reported £2.4 million ($A4.29 million) – before they moved in.
The renovations for the royal residence were initially funded by the Crown Estate.
When they stepped down as 'senior members of the Royal Family', the couple repaid for the home's refurbishment to the Crown Estate, despite never owning property.
The Sun reported the pair installed an 'eco-boiler' which supplied unlimited hot water and low-carbon heat.
Prince Harry's $200m UK secret revealed
Property expert Terry Fisher from We Buy Any Home explained why the Sussexes' investment was ultimately futile.
'Frogmore Cottage was never actually owned by Harry and Meghan,' he told Hello!
'It was gifted to them for use by the late Queen, but they didn't have legal ownership – which means the final say over what happens to it has always rested with the monarch.'
Mr Fisher added: 'Even if someone makes improvements or invests in a royal property, that doesn't give them a lasting stake in it. It's more like an extended loan - and when that time ends, it's returned to the Crown.
'When it comes to legal rights, the rules around royal homes are very different to those in everyday property ownership.'
Meghan, Harry savaged as 'local villains'
Frogmore was the Sussexes' first marital home and hosted their wedding reception in May 2018.
The property was also where the couple raised their son Archie for the first few months of his life.
Fans were given a peek inside the cottage in Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary, including touching bathtime scenes with Archie.
The pair moved to Montecito, California in 2020 after stepping down from royal duties.
They currently live in an $US14.65 million ($A20.9 million) mansion, which boasts nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a pool and a tennis court.
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