Jan 18, 2020

Harry and Meghan Markle to repay $3.1 million in taxpayer funds, forego titles

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In this image, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand — Harry and Markle at the British High Commissioner residency in Oct. 2019. Photo: Michele Spatari/AFP via Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have agreed to repay roughly 2.4 million pounds, or $3.1 million, of taxpayer money spent on Windsor Castle renovations, AP reports.

The big picture: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will also no longer use "royal highness" titles, or receive any public funds as part of their deal to "step back" as senior royals, per AP.

What they're saying:

"Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.

I recognize the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.

I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.

It is my whole family's hope that today's agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life."

— Queen Elizabeth II's statement on Saturday

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Harry and Meghan Markle to repay $3.1 million in taxpayer funds, forego titles

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