Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced in January that they intend to become "financially independent" outside the British Monarchy. While the controversies continued to develop for weeks surrounding Megxit, the deals of their exit were finalized, causing them to leave the royal life behind officially on March 31.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have since relocated to the United States. Although their post-royal plans have remained unclear before the public, several speculations have also since emerged.
Despite now living privately, talks on the cost of their previous movements, prior to their official exit, is still ongoing. As it happens, a lot are still wondering who will pay for their "hideaway costs" during their relocation from the United Kingdom to Canada.
Earlier in June, reports emerged that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry accumulated over $41,000 of costs during their stay in North America. The cost is mainly for their protection outside the United Kingdom after announcing their plans to quit the royal life, according to the Daily Star.
As stated, Canadian taxpayers initially shouldered the bill. But, questions of whether the Sussex couple will be forced to pay in cash or the British taxpayers will once again foot the bill, reportedly, remains unclear.
For months, a lot of people have demanded answers regarding the cost of their protection upon their exit. The Institution did not, reportedly, respond at first. But, reports of late stated that Meghan and Harry have hired a private security firm for their protection in the United States.
Speaking to the Daily Express, however, Republic's CEO, Graham Smith said that the American taxpayers will "not appreciate" footing the bill for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, particularly the latter's "lifestyle." Considering that they are no longer "royals," Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are now considered as "private citizens" in the United States. They should "behave like that," the anti-monarchy campaign head said.
The CEO of Republic continued to explain that the US taxpayers do not pick up the bill for the likes of "Oprah Winfrey or Matt Damon." So, why should they shoulder Meghan Markle's, Smith added.
Alongside his statements over the Sussex couple's bills and security costs, he also, reportedly, discussed the British Royal Family as an Institution. As pointed out, Republic is an anti-monarchy group that campaigns for the abolishing of the Monarchy.
Graham Smith then reportedly descried the British Royal Family as "unaccountable" and "secretive." They "get away with it" because of these factors. Accordingly, no one can get rid of them individually. This is why they must be get rid of as an Institution, he explained.
