Renovation work at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's official residence has cost the taxpayer £2.4 million, according to royal accounts.
The 18th century Grade-II listed Frogmore Cottage, in Windsor, required extensive refurbishment to turn five properties into one, before Harry, his wife Meghan and their newborn baby Archie could set up home there.
The property, which was given to the royal couple by the Queen, was 'earmarked' for renovation in line with the monarchy's "responsibility to maintain the condition of the occupied royal palaces estate," according to Sir Michael Steves, keeper of the Privy Purse, who is responsible for the Queen's accounts.
The government's annual payment to the monarch, the Sovereign Grant, paid for the six-month restoration including the replacement of 'outdated infrastructure' to "guarantee the long-term future of the property."
However Mr Steves ensures that "all fixtures and fittings were paid for by Their Royal Highnesses."
Royal sources say the Victorian building in Home Park near Windsor Castle took on substantial new electric wiring, a new gas and water mains installation, and the replacement of wooden celling beams.
Over the tax year that Meghan married into the royal family from 2018 to 2019, the monarchy cost the taxpayer £67m in total - an increase of nearly £20m from the previous financial year.
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A major contributor to the rise was to also help pay for the 10-year refurbishment project of Buckingham Palace, including replacing electrics, pipework and the removal of asbestos.
Aside from renovation and the Queen's household payments, the Core Sovereign Grant pays for other activities like official royal travel, which increased by £3.6m to £49.3m.
The total Sovereign Grant is based on a quarter of the profits of the Crown Estate, and while the Queen received a sum of £82.2m for the past tax year, the grant is expected to be set at £85.9m for 2020-21.
