Although they settled in Montecito, California, probably for good, Harry and Meghan haven’t cut ties with the Royal Family entirely. In fact, they seem to be improving the relationship with the members of The Firm and the birth of Lilibet Diana has a lot to do with that.
When the couple announced the birth of their daughter on June 4, congratulations came pouring in. Prince Charles, William and Kate, as well as the Queen have all sent their best wishes to the family.
Later on, Harry stepped on British soil again for the unveiling of his late mother’s statue which is placed on the grounds of the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace. The brothers were seen walking shoulder to shoulder and released joint statement through Kensington Palace following the event.
“Today, on what would have been our Mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character — qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better,” they said.
“Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy.”
However, one more thing that ties the Sussexes with the Royals is their former home, Frogmore Cottage, which is located on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Harry and Meghan lived there prior to their decision to step down from their royal duties and move to America.
New reports say that the couple made a payment of $3.3 million to the Royal Family in September 2020 and the place remains licensed to them until March 2022.
During the launch of an annual report into the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant that finances the royal family’s public duties, Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, confirmed to the reporters that “the payment covers all their [Harry and Meghan’s] current obligations,” according to People.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made a substantial contribution to the Sovereign Grant that covered the refurbishment costs of Frogmore Cottage,” Stevens added.
The Royal Family’s official website reads: “Frogmore Cottage will continue to be the property of Her Majesty the Queen.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to use Frogmore Cottage – with the permission of Her Majesty The Queen – as their official residence as they continue to support the Monarchy, and so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom.”
Currently, it is the home of Princess Eugene, her husband, and her newborn baby August. However, the secluded home is where Harry stayed during his two visits of Britain; his grandfather’s funeral and the statue unveiling event.