Royals Don’t Accept Designer Clothes For Free: Who Pays For What Meghan Markle Wears?
After getting engaged to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle has made nine public appearances with her future husband and spent more than $28,000 on her wardrobe.
Although she's not yet an official member of the royal family, the American actress has been wearing designer outfits that aren't easy on the pockets.
The ensemble she wore for Christmas service cost $10,000 and her Ralph & Russo engagement gown was priced upwards of $75,000. This of begs the question that many want answers to: who is paying for Markle's gorgeous outfits?
Who's Paying For The Outfits?
According to People, Markle and Harry are paying for the clothes out of their own pocket because Royals do not accept designer outfits for free.
The publication pointed out that assistants of the royal members, like Natasha Archer, who serves as a personal assistant and stylist of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, order a number of options from various designers, and after an outfit is chosen, the remaining ones are then returned and the one that is picked is paid for.
After she ties the knot with Harry at the St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, Meghan's outfits for official royal outings will be funded by the money Prince William, Kate, and Harry receive from Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall income of approximately $28 million.
Last year, the three royal members withdrew money required for their public lives, including staff salaries and office expenses from a fund of $4.8 million.
How Can They Afford It?
According to Money, the former Suits actress hauled in an estimated $50,000 per episode during her seven-year stint on the legal drama. Her annual salary, as well as some additional income from film roles, totals up to about $450,000 a year.
On the other hand, Harry's net worth is estimated to be approximately $25 million at the very least. After the death of Princess Diana in 1997, both Harry and William inherited around $28 million fortune from their mother. The money was then put in a trust, which they could not access until they were 30.
Some sources claim Harry received a larger inheritance than William from their great-grandmother, who passed away in 2002. The Queen Mother apparently made her decision based on the fact that Harry would not inherit the Duchy of Cornwall once Prince Charles takes the throne as the eldest son of the reigning British monarch inherits possession of the duchy.
