Prince William might not be on side with Prince Harry making a return to the UK because he would “have to fund” his younger brother’s family, according to Daily Mail commentator Ephraim Hardcastle.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, marking the end of many of the privileges that come with being a member of the Royal Family.
The pair then moved to the US to start a new life, alongside their young son Archie. The couple welcomed their daughter, Lilibet, not long after relocating.
With recent reports that Harry is eyeing up a return to the UK, it begs the question over how the Royal Family would feel.
In particular, his elder brother Prince William – who could be set to get more than he bargained for if his brother does make a UK return.
In his article for the Daily Mail, Hardcastle wrote: “William, as Prince of Wales in receipt of £24million a year from the Duchy of Cornwall, enjoys a surplus which will diminish as he eventually bankrolls the households of his children.
“But it would quickly disappear should Harry and Meghan return to the gilded cage. Willliam would have to fund their duties, housing costs and schooling of Archie and Lilibet.”
Prince William inherited the Duchy landed estate after his grandmother died, and his father became King. Now in this position, William is entitled to its surplus profits every year.
In his tell-all memoir, Spare, Harry claimed that King Charles warned him that he didn’t have “enough money” to support both him and Meghan when the couple got married in 2018. Mr Hardcastle added that, due to this, William may have to help out as the prospect may be “all too much” for the King.
Despite this, the couple still have their deal with Netflix – with the contract set to run out in 2025.
So far, the couple have released two series for the popular streaming service – their controversial six-episode docuseries and a series called ‘Live to Lead’.
