Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their desire to become "financially independent" earlier this year. They shared their plans with the public when they announced their exit.
Following "Megxit," their finances have become a big topic among UK taxpayers. Reports said they "fully expected" the public to shoulder their security bills despite leaving their roles in the British monarchy.
Sources confirmed to People that they purchased a new property in Santa Barbara. The original price of the new home was $34 million. But they paid just $14.7 million with the help of a $9.5 million mortgage.
Markle and Harry's latest move shocked many royal watchers, according to the Daily Express. They don't have a regular income - except for Prince Charles' financial support.
Daily Express said they also assured the public they would pay for the renovations they made to Frogmore Cottage. At a cost of $3.1 million, they were given a decade to pay - at about $23,000 a month.
But it was later learned the Duke and Duchess of Sussex only agreed to pay the renovation costs after Prince Charles ensured his financial support. Sources said that this is because they "expected" taxpayers to continue shouldering their security bill outside the UK.
Upon learning this wouldn't happen they asked the Prince of Wales to step in. Although they have not confirmed anything about their finances many believe that the future King continues to support Markle and Harry.
Sources, however, argued that the Sussex couple didn't ask Prince Charles to help them with their Santa Barbara property, according to Harper's Bazaar. The duke chose not to seek his father's help.
The sources said the couple paid for the property out of their own pockets. They don't want the British royals "financially involved" because this may result in the royals having control over them.
Markle and Harry have remained silent - even after the release of their unofficial biography Finding Freedom. Representatives said they were not interviewed for the book. But there is talk they were involved.
