Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been a focal point of both admiration and criticism, particularly since their decision to step back from royal duties. While some view the Sussexes’ choice as a quest for independence, others argue that a series of “bad judgements” are catching up with them. At the same time, new revelations about the monarchy’s relationship with charitable organizations suggest that the royal family as a whole may have its own accountability issues. From claims that the Sussexes wear out their welcome to reports that the monarchy has profited from charities and public institutions, recent insights are sparking fresh debate about the roles and responsibilities of the modern royals.

Sussexes Face Backlash Amidst New Challenges

Royal commentator Lee Cohen recently expressed that Meghan and Harry are experiencing “sleepless nights,” pointing to Donald Trump’s recent election win as a potential source of anxiety. Cohen, a regular critic of the Sussexes, suggested that Trump’s criticism of the couple—alongside his comments on Harry’s U.S. visa status—has added to their woes. Trump previously hinted he might review Harry’s visa due to past admissions of drug use, raising questions that might linger now with Trump’s political resurgence.

When the Sussexes initially relocated to California, Trump made it clear that U.S. taxpayers would not be funding their security, a point that was echoed by Cohen. However, it’s worth noting that Meghan and Harry have funded their security privately since moving, demonstrating a commitment to independence. Despite this, Cohen and others argue that their choices have led to public scrutiny that is now “catching up” with them, questioning the effectiveness of their departure from royal duties in fostering a quieter, more independent life.

The Royal Family’s Charity Scandal: Benevolence or Business?

While the Sussexes grapple with media criticism, the broader royal family faces scrutiny from an explosive Dispatches documentary, The King, The Prince, and Their Secret Millions. For years, the British public believed that the Royal Family’s extensive charitable work justified the Sovereign Grant, which provides significant public funding to the monarchy. Members of the royal family serve as patrons for various charities, lending their names to causes ranging from healthcare to social welfare. However, the documentary claims that rather than solely supporting these charities, certain royals may have quietly profited from them.

The investigation sheds light on the troubling financial ties between the monarchy and public institutions. For example, King Charles’s Duchy of Lancaster estate reportedly charges rent for NHS properties, including an £11.4 million contract with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust to store ambulances. Prince William’s Duchy of Cornwall has similarly benefited from leasing facilities to public institutions, including Dartmoor Prison and the Ministry of Defence. These revelations raise ethical concerns, as the monarchy’s charitable image appears to be at odds with private financial arrangements that could divert resources from essential public services.

Lack of Transparency Raises Ethical Concerns

Critics argue that these financial arrangements blur the line between public service and personal profit. Although the duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall operate as private estates, they enjoy certain tax exemptions that don’t apply to most commercial enterprises, including exemptions from corporation tax and capital gains tax. Former Public Accounts Committee chair Dame Margaret Hodge emphasized the need for fair taxation, stating, “If they want to act commercially, they need to pay the fair rate of tax like everyone else.” The voluntary income tax on their surpluses falls short of the tax obligations borne by average businesses and individuals, highlighting a potential double standard.

Moreover, the Royal Family’s private estates remain shielded from full transparency, sparking concerns about the lack of accountability. The monarchy’s defenders often point to the Crown Estate, which contributes profits to the Treasury, as evidence that the royals support public finances. Yet, the Dispatches documentary highlights how their private estates, separate from the Crown Estate, generate substantial profits for the family while largely evading public scrutiny.

Meghan, Harry, and the Wider Monarchy: Public Service or Private Gain?

While Meghan and Harry’s critics, like Cohen, argue that their actions reflect “bad judgement” and a desire for titles without responsibilities, recent revelations about the broader royal family’s financial ties to charities and public institutions are calling the entire institution into question. Meghan and Harry, often criticized for seeking financial independence while still maintaining royal titles, have faced intensified backlash over a recent charity scandal. Accusations of mismanagement and media scrutiny around their own charitable ventures have only compounded the criticism, creating a complex narrative around the Sussexes’ post-royal life.

Yet the charity scandal involving the larger royal family underscores a deeper, systemic issue. The monarchy’s charitable image is a cornerstone of its public support, but if private profits are being made from public institutions and charities meant to aid vulnerable populations, it raises significant questions about the monarchy’s actual role in society. The public deserves transparency regarding these financial dealings, especially as they weigh the monarchy’s role and funding.

A Crossroads for the Royal Family

Meghan and Harry’s story—and the controversy around their departure—have indeed highlighted issues of independence, privacy, and responsibility in the monarchy. But as new information emerges about the broader royal family’s financial dealings, the need for transparency and accountability becomes ever more pressing. Public opinion on the monarchy is built upon the belief in public service, and recent revelations suggest it may be time to reassess whether this institution truly serves the nation or profits from it.

In light of both the Sussexes’ controversial exit and the monarchy’s private financial dealings, these revelations could mark a turning point. As questions mount, the public deserves to know: are the royals committed to genuine service, or is there a growing focus on private gain?